Teachers' Absenteeism In Primary Schools 'Bane' Of UP's Education System: Allahabad High Court

The Court also sought an affidavit from the Principal Secretary of the State Department of Basic Education explaining the steps taken by the UP Government in the past in this regard and the proposed measures to ensure regular teacher attendance and curb teacher absenteeism.

A bench of Justice Ajay Bhanot made the pertinent observation while considering a writ plea moved by Draupadi Devi, a primary school teacher from district Mau.

She had moved the Court, challenging an order from the state government to withhold her salary due to her alleged absence from school.

The UP government justified the decision to withhold her salary by submitting before the judge that the petitioner had been regularly absent from her duties, disrupting the school's academic work and jeopardising its future.

In view of this submission, the Court directed counsel appearing for the Basic Shiksha Adhikari to file an affidavit explaining why disciplinary action was not initiated against the petitioner for remaining absent without approved leave.

The Court also sought to know the measures taken to enforce teachers' regular attendance in schools. The matter is now listed for hearing next on November 26.

Case title - Draupadi Devi vs. District Basic Education Officer And 4 Others

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