PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered an inquiry into the incident wherein students from a government primary school in Cumbharjua have been protesting at Azad Maidan over the transfer of their headmistress.
“I have asked the education department to inquire,” Sawant told media persons on the sidelines of an event in Panaji.
The teachers from the school have been on a protest for the last seven days opposing the transfer of their headmistress, which they claim was politically motivated. A large number of students were also seen protesting at the Azad Maidan in the hot sun.
When contacted, Director of Education Shailesh Zingade said that the department has commenced an inquiry to find out if students were called forcefully for the protest by the teachers. “If yes, then necessary action would be taken against the teachers,” he said.
Zingade clarified that the transfer of a teacher or headmistress is completely the department's prerogative and that there is no political involvement. “If the teachers had some issue, they should have raised it before us. It is not right to get the students involved in a protest,” he said.
CM condemns use of students for protest
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has condemned involving students in political protests as he asked teachers and parents not to get their children brainwashed with agendas pushed by certain elements.
His reaction comes against the backdrop of a protest held by Cumbarjua government primary school teachers that saw students and their parents opposing the abrupt transfer of the headmistress.
Speaking at a press conference after a cabinet meeting on Thursday, Sawant said that he had instructed the education department to reinstate the headmistress.
“I have ordered an inquiry and requested her reinstatement. However, it is not appropriate to involve children in political movements. Parents must avoid letting their children be used for political purposes. We should focus on nurturing their values and ensuring a positive future for the next generation, rather than misusing them for political movements,” he said.
He further stated that while parents have the right to participate in protests, bringing children to places like Azad Maidan sets a wrong example. “Parents may have been manipulated but they should not allow their children to be part of someone else’s political agenda,” the CM added.
A group of teachers, parents and students of the government schools held a protest at Azad Maidan alleging the headmistress’ transfer was politically motivated by a local MLA.
