Gujarat Teacher Under Probe for Long Absence While Living Abroad

The Gujarat government has ordered an investigation into Bhavna Patel, a government schoolteacher who has been allegedly on paid leave while living in the US and has not attended her duties for nearly eight years. Education Minister Kuber Dindor has requested a report and promised action if found guilty.

The Gujarat government has initiated an investigation into Bhavna Patel, a government schoolteacher, following allegations of her continued employment and pay while living in the US, despite an eight-year absence from her duties.

Parul Mehta, the in-charge principal of a school in Panchha village, Banaskantha district, claimed Patel has been on the payroll, reporting to duty only for a month annually and taking unauthorized leave for the rest of the year.

Upon learning of the situation, Education Minister Kuber Dindor ordered an inquiry, emphasizing that such practices are unacceptable and that the government would take punitive action and recover any undue salaries if Patel is found guilty.

Minister of State for Education Praful Pansheriya noted that Patel has not been paid since January amid the ongoing probe. He reiterated that if any further benefits were availed despite her living abroad, stringent action would follow.

The issue came to light when Parul Mehta informed local media about Patel's extended absence and continuous listing on the payroll since moving to the US in 2016, adversely affecting students. The principal urged immediate action, highlighting the teacher's nearly annual salary collection and unauthorized long leaves.

District Education Officer (DEO) Vinubhai Patel confirmed that Bhavna Patel has been on unauthorized leave for the last eight months, with no payment since January. The teacher had reported for duty briefly in January before returning to the US and sending an explanation on WhatsApp in June, which was rejected.

State rules stipulate dismissal for absences exceeding one year. The DEO assured that another notice would be issued to enforce strict action as seen in previous similar cases.