The Andhra Pradesh government on Tuesday suspended a school teacher following allegations she compelled two girl students to massage her legs. The incident occurred in Bandapalli village within Srikakulam district.
Y Sujatha , who served as the Headmistress (LFL HM) at GTWAH School in Bandapalli, received the suspension order. An official shared details of the order with PTI, confirming the disciplinary action.
Investigation and Suspension Details
A video circulated widely showing the teacher stretching her legs in a classroom. In the footage, two minor students massaged her legs while Sujatha conversed on her mobile phone. This video prompted immediate action from the authorities.
The government’s suspension order explicitly stated Sujatha violated instructions issued by the government periodically. These regulations govern the conduct and duties of educators in the state.
Specific Violations Outlined
The suspension order detailed several violations committed by Sujatha, underscoring her alleged misconduct. These infractions directly contravened established government guidelines for teachers.
- Compelling Personal Service: Sujatha allegedly instructed students to massage her legs. This action represents a misuse of authority over minors entrusted to her care.
- Assigning Personal Tasks: She reportedly made students perform other personal work. Such activities fall outside a teacher’s professional responsibilities and exploit student vulnerability.
- Improper Classroom Conduct: The order highlighted her sitting improperly in the classroom. This involved stretching her legs out during school hours, demonstrating a lack of professional decorum.
- Gross Negligence of Duties: Authorities deemed her actions as gross negligence in her professional duties. This refers to a severe failure to meet the expected standards of her role as an educator and headmistress.
- Mobile Phone Use: Sujatha allegedly talked on her mobile phone in the classroom during school hours. This violates rules prohibiting personal phone use during teaching time, distracting from educational focus.
- Neglect of Responsibilities: The order concluded that she neglected her overall duties. This encompasses failing to create a conducive learning environment and maintain proper professional boundaries.
Prior Incidents and Government Stance
An official confirmed this was not the first time Sujatha allegedly made students massage her legs. This suggests a pattern of behavior that led to the severe disciplinary action.
The Andhra Pradesh government maintains strict guidelines for teacher conduct. Such actions undermine the trust placed in educators and impact the learning environment for students.
The suspension marks a clear message from the government. It reinforces its commitment to uphold ethical standards in public education. Further investigation or departmental proceedings may follow this initial suspension.