Machhiwara: Primary school staff get show-cause notices

Six members of teaching staff at Government Primary Smart School, Machhiwara block, have been issued show-cause notices after its students failed to answer basic questions, as per their class levels, during a surprise inspection by Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Tuesday.

Confirming the development, District Education Officer (DEO) Dimple Madan said following instructions from the head office, show-cause notices had been served on five teachers and one block resource coordinator on Wednesday. When asked about reports of suspension, the DEO said she had not received any such orders so far.

“I have issued the show-cause notices as per directions. I am not aware of any suspension orders yet,” she said.

The school has an enrolment of 298 students. During the surprise visit, the minister interacted with students from different classes and asked them basic questions. However, many students were reportedly unable to read, write or solve simple mathematical problems appropriate to their grade levels.

Expressing concern over the poor academic performance, the minister reprimanded the staff and said teachers must not “play with the future of students.” He emphasised that parents send their children to school with the expectation of receiving quality education and questioned how the authorities would answer them if standards were not maintained.

Taking serious note of the matter, Bains directed officials to issue show-cause notices to the staff concerned.