MAPUSA
The State government has upheld the suspension of a confirmed teacher involved in the alleged assault of a 9-year-old student at Shree Saraswati Vidyamandir Primary School, Camurlim.
Meanwhile, the fate of another teacher, employed on a contractual basis, rests with the school management, which is expected to terminate her services following the incident.
The contracted teacher’s term is set to end in October, but sources indicate that her employment may be terminated sooner due to her involvement in the assault on the young student, an act that has drawn widespread condemnation.
After conducting hearings with both teachers and the school management, Director of Education Shailesh Zingde approved the suspension of the regular teacher involved in the incident.
The suspension was mandated as the teacher had been detained for more than 48 hours following her arrest.
The suspension will last for a period of six months, during which time the school management is expected to carry out a formal inquiry into the incident.
The findings of this inquiry will determine whether the suspended teacher will face further disciplinary action, including possible termination.
Earlier, the school management had suspended both teachers for an initial period of 15 days.
However, it required formal approval from the Director of Education, as per protocol, for the suspension to be extended.
The two teachers, identified as Sujal Gawade from Verem and Kanisha Gadekar from Pirna, were arrested on September 5, following allegations that they assaulted a Class IV student.
According to reports, the child sustained multiple injuries, including bruises, cut marks, and blood clots, after being struck with a steel ruler.
Initially, the teachers were charged under Section 8 of the Goa Children’s Act, alongside provisions of the BNS Act.
However, as the investigation progressed, additional charges under Section 82 of the Juvenile Justice Act were filed against them.
