The Director of Elementary Education has suspended a block educational officer and a primary school headmistress near Chennai due to falsifying enrollment data. During a routine inspection, it was discovered that the Panchayat Union Primary School in Pammadhukulam, located in the Villivakkam block of Tiruvallur district, reported having 566 students on the EMIS portal, but the actual number was only 219.
According to officials, the school claimed to have enrolled 566 students, with 432 attending classes, but the inspection revealed that only 219 students were enrolled. The inflated enrollment data figures were allegedly used to justify maintaining more teachers. The school currently employs 16 teachers, whereas it should only require eight based on the actual student count.
The Times of India reports that the school received welfare materials for non-existent students over the past two years. An official order issued by the Director of Elementary Education, P.A. Naresh, stated that S. Latha, the headmistress of Panchayat Union Primary School, was involved in falsifying enrollment numbers and manipulating the student-teacher ratio, leading to significant financial losses for the government.
J. Mary Josephine, the block educational officer for Villivakkam block, was suspended for failing to monitor and inspect the school properly. An inquiry into the actions of Latha and Mary Josephine is initiated, and both have been suspended pending further orders. They have been instructed not to leave their headquarters without prior approval. The two suspended staff members face charges under sub-rule (e) of rule 17 of the TN Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules.
(With Inputs From TOI)
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