Arabic teacher transferred after religious symbols row

Nityanand Dubey 

Garhwa

The Jharkhand Education Department has transferred an Arabic teacher from an upgraded high school in Garhwa district after a preliminary inquiry found prima facie evidence in allegations that he asked students to remove kalawa (sacred thread) and religious lockets during school hours. A show-cause notice has also been issued, and officials said further action will depend on his reply.

The controversy erupted at Upgraded High School, Ramkanda, after parents accused the teacher, Mohammad Homaidullah, of asking some students to remove religious symbols. The allegations triggered protests by parents, local residents and ABVP members, who demanded strict action before the school administration assured them the matter would be investigated.

Following directions from Deputy Commissioner Pashupati Nath Mishra, an inquiry team led by the Additional District Programme Officer visited the school and recorded statements from students, teachers, the headmaster and parents.

Pending completion of the disciplinary process, Homaidullah has been transferred to Upgraded High School, Makri, in Bhawnathpur block as an administrative measure. His salary will continue to be drawn from his parent school based on attendance records.

The Deputy Commissioner said two students supported the allegations during the inquiry, while the teacher denied them and other students made no adverse statements. Officials said the detailed inquiry report has not yet been released, adding that any disciplinary action will be based on the final inquiry findings and the teacher’s response to the show-cause notice.