Teacher suspended for posting against govt on Facebook

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 14

The Chandigarh Education Department on Wednesday suspended a teachers’ union leader, Arvind Rana, posted as a social science teacher at Government High School, Sarangpur, allegedly for posting comments and articles criticising the government on the social media.

The suspension orders issued by the State Project Director (SS)-cum-Director Public Instruction stated: “The Vigilance Department has informed that Arvind Rana is posting comments/articles on the social media and print media through, indulging in adverse criticism of the policies and actions of the Centre and the Chandigarh Administration.”

The orders further read: “He has also posted adverse comments on the social media against senior/constitutional functionaries of the government. He has, thus, misconducted by criticising the department’s internal matters and policies and thereby tried to tarnish the image of the Education Department.”

Facing the implication, Arvind Rana, working under Samagra Shiksha, was suspended for indulging in activities which are “prejudicial” to the interest of the department/government.

When contacted, Arvind Rana, who is also the president of the SSA Teachers’ Welfare Association, said: “I have not received any official letter for the same. But will reply when asked to remove the doubts of officials. In every Facebook post, I have raised concerns for the welfare of students and education.”