A government school teacher in Venkatapuram village, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, has been suspended for allegedly forcing students to clean her car and perform other personal chores during school hours. The incident, which took place at an upper primary school, came to light after a video of the students cleaning the car went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage.
Immediate Action Taken
Following public criticism, the education department officials promptly placed the teacher under suspension pending an investigation. A statement from the District School Educational Officer (DSEO) confirmed the suspension, citing that the teacher had violated Right to Education (RTE) norms by assigning students tasks such as fetching water, chairs, pillows, and even washing her car.
The suspension letter highlighted the inappropriate use of students for personal chores, which is against the fundamental principles of education and child rights.
YSR Congress Party Condemns Mismanagement
The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) strongly criticized the ruling TDP-BJP-JSP coalition government, holding them accountable for what they called “mismanagement in government schools.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the YSRCP alleged that such incidents are indicative of broader systemic issues in the state’s educational system. They questioned Education Minister Nara Lokesh, asking if these incidents reflect the government’s proposed “reforms” in the education sector. The YSRCP also highlighted that similar instances of students being forced to perform menial labor in schools have previously occurred under this administration.
Public Outcry on Social Media
The video of the incident triggered significant public anger, with netizens condemning the misuse of authority by the teacher and calling for stricter regulations to prevent such incidents. Social media users demanded accountability and reforms to protect students from such exploitation.
Government’s Assurance
In response to the growing criticism, education officials assured the public that stringent measures will be implemented to ensure that such violations do not occur in the future. The government reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe and productive learning environment in all government schools across the state.