Also suspended is a Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA), a Group-A education service officer. (Illustration by C R Sasikumar)From questioning the Pulwama terror attack to praising Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, from criticising the effectiveness of the Balakot strike to making “political” statements against the ruling establishment — at least seven state government school teachers have been suspended by the Uttar Pradesh government for posts like these on their Facebook page or WhatsApp groups,
Also suspended is a Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA), a Group-A education service officer. While two suspensions were for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct after polls were announced on March 10, the government has also ordered an FIR against a private school teacher.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Prabhat Kumar, UP Additional Chief Secretary (Basic Education), said a proper inquiry was conducted before the BSA was suspended. “I have no information about (the) teachers (suspended). BSAs of respective districts must have done this,” he said.
Those facing action:
Dinesh Yadav, BSA, Muzaffarnagar
Suspended by Special
Secretary Anand Kumar Singh on February 21.
Allegation: On February 19, on a WhatsApp group of the Provincial Education Service, Yadav criticised “those preaching on WhatsApp” and questioned the Pulwama attack, suggesting there was a conspiracy behind it.
Suspension order: His comments amount to violation of his official responsibilities
Yadav said: “I was chatting with a friend in the group and I did not violate any service rules. I have submitted my response to my authorities.”
Surendra Kumar, primary school Headmaster, Barabanki
Suspended by Barabanki BSA, V P Singh on February 27
Allegation: In a post on a WhatsApp group of teachers about the Pulwama attack, he also questioned the attack “as a common citizen.”
Suspension order: He violated service rules.
Surendra Kumar said: “I will reply to the authorities. The suspension is wrong.”
Amrendra Kumar, primary school assistant teacher, Sultanpur
Suspended by: Sultanpur BSA, Kaustubh Kumar Singh on March 2
Allegation: Kumar wrote on a WhatsApp group of teachers: “Salute to Imran Khan, messiah of peace.”
Suspension order: Clear violation of service rules.
Amrendra Kumar said: “I have received the chargesheet. I did not violate any rules. I am preparing my response to the inquiry officer.”
Ravindra Kanojia, primary school assistant teacher, Rae Bareli
Suspended by Rae Bareli BSA, P N Singh on March 6
Allegation: He shared a post on Facebook that questioned the nature of “victory,” after Balakot citing the shooting down of an IAF plane and the capture of a pilot.
Suspension order: “Has made objectionable comments against the government and recent Army action. This can create tension in society.”
Kanojia said: “I had not written anything myself but somebody else might have shared another post from my mobile. I am yet to receive the suspension order. The allegations are wrong. I am a true patriot and contributed through Paytm on February 17 for the welfare of families of martyred soldiers.”
Ravi Shankar Yadav, primary school Headmaster, Mirzapur
Suspended by: Mirzapur BSA Praveen Tiwari on February 22
Allegation: Making derogatory remarks against President Ram Nath Kovind.
Suspension order: Violated service rules
Ravi Shankar said: “I did not make any such comment. I have submitted my reply to my authorities.”
Nandji Yadav, primary school assistant teacher, Azamgarh
Suspended by: BSA Azamgarh, Devendra Pande on February 22
Allegation: He has made “objectionable comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath” repeatedly.
Suspension order: He violated service rules.
Nandji Yadav said: “I have got the chargesheet. I will submit my reply to my inquiry officer. I have not done anything wrong.”
Satya Prakash Verma, primary school assistant teacher, Shravasti
Show-cause issued by: BSA Shravasti, Onkar Rana
Allegation: After his salary was released after a gap of six months, he wrote, “Koi bahut badi teer nahi maar diya (It was not a big deal).”
Notice: Why shouldn’t legal action be taken against him under the IT Act.
Verma said: “I was under pressure since I did not get my salary for six months. I have replied to the notice and am waiting for their decision.”
Nirankar Shukla, primary School Headmaster, Rae Bareli
Suspended by: Rae Bareli BSA, P N Singh on March 16
Allegation: For writing Facebook posts on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Suspension order: Violation of the Model Code of Conduct
Nirankar said: “I am yet to receive any suspension order. When I heard about my suspension through unofficial channels, I met the BSA. He told me I am suspended. My version was not taken before taking action.”
Rajesh Shukla, primary school assistant teacher, Rae Bareli
Suspended by: Rae Bareli BSA, P N Singh on March 16
Allegation: On Facebook, he wrote remarks critical of the Prime Minister referring to the exit of the RBI governor and the pressures on LIC.
Suspension Order: District Magistrate Neha Sharma issued a statement that he was suspended for “political comments” on social media during the Model Code of Conduct.
Rajesh Shukla said: “There are several comments from several employees in favour of the ruling party, but no such action was ever taken. I did not make any comment against the government. I will respond to all allegations when I receive the chargesheet.”
Dileep Singh Yadav, teaches without salary in a private Inter College, Shahjahanpur
FIR ordered by SDM, Kalan, Shahjahanpur Ashok Kumar on March 23
Allegation: According to the SDM order, Yadav on Facebook made “objectionable comments based on communal, caste, political and religious lines against respectable animals and politicians”.
FIR Order says: SDM has directed police to file an FIR against the teacher
Dileep said: “I have not made any objectionable comments against anybody. I only commented as an Indian citizen because we have freedom of expression. All allegations are wrong.”
