Image Source: thetatva.in
A head teacher from Pancha Primary School in Banaskantha, Gujarat, has been living in the United States for the past 11 years, yet continues to receive her salary from the state government.
Bhavna Patel, who has been absent from her teaching duties, remains on the school’s payroll despite residing in Chicago and holding a U.S. green card. Students in the fifth grade report they last saw Patel when they were in third grade. Patel only returns to Gujarat once a year during Diwali—a time when the school is closed, and she generally does not visit the school or interact with students.
The situation has sparked outrage among villagers and the school community. The in-charge principal, Parul Mehta, has escalated the matter to higher authorities, including the taluka education officer, district education officer, and state education minister, but no significant action has been taken.
Recently, the primary education officer confirmed that Patel had last visited the school in January of the previous year and has since been on unpaid leave. A show-cause notice has now been issued to Patel, and disciplinary actions are being pursued.
