Salary rules 'bent' for comrade teacher

Manas R Bannerjee

MALDA, Dec. 21: In a unique incident, a teacher of one school is being forced to draw salary from another in Malda.Mr Abul Bashar, history teacher of Sukanta Memorial Jr. High School in Kaliachak I and a CPI-M worker was barred from entering the school following political clashes two years ago. He was under pressure and his adversaries had threatened him with dire consequences. The conditions turned from bad to worse for the teacher and he could not attend school for two years. Now, on the direction of the director of education department he has been posted in the Mothabari Higher Secondary School in Kaliachak II block, which is close to his in-laws’ residence and comparatively safer.It was learnt that Mr Bashar had appealed to the director of education sometime ago urging for a transfer to a school close to his home so that he could continue with his service. The director in turn inquired about Mr Bashar from the district inspector of schools and sought police verification on him as well. On receipt of the reports, the director considered his plea and instructed the DI to take necessary action. It was then decided that Mr Bashar would work in Mothabari Higher secondary school as history teacher but would draw his salary from the Sukanta Memorial School.When asked if such an arrangement was being made for the first time in the state, the Malda district inspector of schools Mr Chinmay Sarkar said: “I do not know whether it is the first time or if it is permissible. I have simply carried out the instruction of the education director and posted him in Mothabari High school.”