Navsari: Minister of State for Education in the Government of Gujarat, Praful Pansheriya, today stated that he has ordered an investigation into the cases of teachers being absent from schools for extended periods and settling abroad . The report of the investigation will be submitted by Monday, and further action will be taken based on its findings. The statement from MoS Pansheriya comes after recent cases have come to light where teachers, while still employed, have been residing in foreign countries like the US and Canada.

Two days ago, a case from Danta in Banaskantha surfaced, involving Bhavnaben Patel, a teacher at Pancha Primary School, who has been absent from her job for eight years. She has been living in Chicago, USA, since 2016, yet her name continues to be listed as the head teacher. It is also alleged that she draws a salary by returning once a year during the Diwali vacation.

Parents and the in-charge principal have filed a written complaint against Bhavnaben with the authorities, revealing these facts. However, no action has been taken against her by the authorities.

Another similar incident was reported from Tharad, where a teacher named Darshanbhai has been absent from school for two years, negatively impacting the students’ education. It has been learned that he is currently living in Canada. Bharatbhai, another primary school teacher, spoke to him on a WhatsApp call, during which Darshanbhai stated that he is now living in Canada and will not be returning to the school. Darshanbhai was asked to resign, but he refused and switched off his mobile. Bharatbhai presented the case to the Taluka Education Branch and District Education Branch, but no action has been taken so far.

Today, another case emerged from Kutch, where a teacher named Neeta Patel of the Primary School in Shirva village, Mandvi, has been absent for three years, yet her name is still present in the teachers’ attendance register. DeshGujarat