In a significant move, the Chhattisgarh High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of a news report concerning a disturbing incident in which a District Education Officer allegedly threatened students who raised concerns about the lack of teachers at their school. The Public Interest Litigation (WPPIL No. 70 of 2024) was initiated by the High Court on its own, based on reports aired by Zee Business Channel and published in the Dainik Bhaskar newspaper.
The reports highlighted an incident at Aaliwara School in Dongargarh Block, District Rajnandgaon, where several students, particularly girls, approached the office of the District Education Officer, Mr. Abhay Jayaswal, to request the appointment of teachers. The students had reportedly passed their Class 11 examinations without proper teachers and were worried about their upcoming Class 12 Board exams. Instead of addressing their legitimate concerns, Mr. Jayaswal allegedly threatened the students, stating, “If you argue, you will spend your entire life in jail.”
Background of the Case:
The school in question, Aaliwara School, had been recently upgraded from a High School to a Higher Secondary School. However, the existing teaching staff, originally appointed for high school classes, were also tasked with teaching higher secondary classes. The reports revealed that teachers specializing in one subject, such as Mathematics, were being made to teach unrelated subjects like Physics, significantly affecting the quality of education and the future of the students.
The students had earlier met the Collector of Rajnandgaon, who assured them that appropriate measures would be taken, and advised them to approach the District Education Officer. However, upon meeting Mr. Jayaswal with their application, the officer allegedly accused the students of writing objectionable content, such as suggestions to lock down the school, and proceeded to threaten them.
Issues Involved:
1. Right to Education: The case underscores a potential violation of the fundamental right to education, as guaranteed by the Constitution of India, due to the inadequate staffing and improper educational facilities at the school.
2. Misconduct of Public Servants: The threatening behavior of the District Education Officer is under scrutiny for violating ethical standards expected of public servants, especially those in the education sector.
3. Administrative Accountability: The case raises questions about administrative negligence and the State Government’s responsibility to ensure the provision of adequate educational resources in government schools.
Court’s Observations and Directions:
During the hearing, the bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru expressed grave concern over the matter. The court observed, “Teachers are meant to educate, not intimidate,” reflecting on the inappropriate conduct of the District Education Officer, which seemed contrary to his duties as an educational leader.
The court further questioned the actions taken by the State Government against the erring officer. The Additional Advocate General, Mr. Y.S. Thakur, informed the court that Mr. Jayaswal had been transferred to another post the very next day and attached to the office of the Director, Public Instructions. Additionally, four new teachers were posted at Aaliwara School on the following day.
However, the court was not satisfied with the response and, considering the gravity of the issue, directed the Secretary of the School Education Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, to file a personal affidavit detailing the measures taken by the State Government to ensure the adequate posting of teachers in schools with minimal or no teaching staff.
The court scheduled the next hearing for September 12, 2024, and emphasized the importance of immediate and effective action to rectify the situation in schools across the state.
Parties and Representation:
– Petitioner: The case is a suo motu PIL initiated by the Chhattisgarh High Court.
– Respondents:
– State of Chhattisgarh, represented through the Secretary, School Education Department, Mahanadi Bhawan, Atal Nagar, Nawa Raipur.
– Director, School Education Department, Indravati Bhawan, Atal Nagar, Nawa Raipur.
– Collector, Rajnandgaon, District Rajnandgaon.
– District Education Officer, Rajnandgaon.
– Representation by Lawyers:
– For the State: Mr. Y.S. Thakur, Additional Advocate General.
