Baipariguda: Some teachers had been delegating their duties to others and remaining absent for months without any leave application. Despite being absent, their attendance records showed their signatures, allowing them to continue receiving their salaries. However, an unexpected visit by the Block Education Officer (BEO) exposed the long-standing malpractice, leading to disciplinary action against them.
At Pakulpada Upgraded Upper Primary School under the Dashamantapur Panchayat in Baipariguda Block, teacher Kalpana Jena had been absent for extended periods. She only attended school 5 to 6 days per month and remained absent for weeks without applying for leave. Acting on a tip-off, BEO Sukanta Karshami conducted a surprise visit to the school. Upon arrival, he found that Kalpana Jena was absent, but her signature was present in the attendance register.
When questioned, assistant teacher Ajay Jena confessed to forging her signature. It was also revealed that despite Kalpana Jena’s absence since February 15, headmaster Rajendra Gahira had failed to report the matter to the BEO’s office. As a result, show-cause notices have been issued, and one month’s salary of both Kalpana Jena and Ajay Jena has been withheld. Additionally, due to her prolonged absence without leave, Kalpana Jena’s salary for two months has been stopped.
For further investigation, ABEO Prafulla Pattnayak has been assigned responsibility, according to the BEO. This case has exposed the irregularities in rural schools and how some teachers manipulate the system.