BEO Ki Diary

Over the past 11 years of working in two remote blocks, I have often reflected on whether punitive measures truly bring lasting behavioural change. In my entire tenure, I have neither stopped the salary of any teacher found absent without leave nor suspended anyone when I had the authority to do so. Even thereafter, I have never recommended suspension.

Many of my colleagues and seniors feel that I am too lenient and that punitive action is sometimes necessary. However, my approach has always been guided by a strong belief in human dignity. A teacher is expected to be a responsible and mature individual, and more importantly, a role model for students. In rural settings, the bond between students and their “Guruji” or “Madam ji” is very special. Any punitive action against a teacher can have a psychological impact on young minds, who may begin to question and lose respect for their role model.

The most common issue we face is absenteeism, particularly in remote schools where there is poor connectivity and lack of road access. This becomes more frequent when teachers are posted far from their hometowns. Female teachers, in particular, often have to travel to take care of children and family responsibilities, as their families live separately.

The leave system also poses challenges. Teachers are considered part of a “vacation department,” receiving long winter or summer breaks depending on climatic conditions. However, during the rest of the year, they are entitled to only 14 days of Casual Leave. While provisions like (CCL) and maternity leave are available for women, male teachers have limited options. As a result, most depend on these 14 days of CL, and sometimes on Medical Leave (which can extend up to 365 days over the entire service period).

In such cases whenever I find a teacher absent without prior leave, I usually seek an explanation and adjust the absence against their CL.This ensures that some accountability is maintained, while also protecting them from harsher punitive action. For many, the deduction of their limited CL itself acts as a form of discipline. If their CL is exhausted, the absence is regularised through ML, along with a written explanation kept on record.

In some cases, teachers are suspended for short periods of absence. As per the rules, they are removed from their schools and attached to offices during the investigation process, which can take months. Ironically, for a few days of absence, the teacher remains away from the school for a much longer duration. In most cases, the final outcome is only a warning, and the withheld salary is eventually released.

However, during the suspension period, it is the students who suffer the most—especially in single-teacher schools where alternative arrangements are difficult. Ty adjustments from nearby schools are made, but they are rarely effective.

This raises an important question:What is the most appropriate and balanced way to address absenteeism in such challenging conditions