Education Department forces dilly dallying school’s hand teacher convicted students Vice-principal leaps to death from Andheri school Students were taking exams when Ram Kamble, 48, jumped; he left note saying no one was responsible for his suicide. Andheri school gets summons from Education Dept after After the mathematics teacher who was accused of sexually harassing three girl students rejoined the school, education inspector Anil Sable says matter will be discussed with the school on Monday. Maneka Gandhi ICC steps out against sexual harassment Players, coaches, team officials, journalists, and vendors accused of sexual misconduct will be kept out of the ICC events, including World Cup and U-19 events Sexual activity and dementia Studies say some people with the condition may be more sexually active than those without cognitive impairment. Findings are important in cases where the aged behave inappropriately I kept fighting so that more people get the courage to speak up. The govt should empower principals under POCSO Act to take appropriate action —The principal After Mirror’s report last week, education department officials called the school authorities for a meeting on Monday. “The teacher was terminated on Monday. The school authorities who attended the meeting informed us of his removal. They submitted a report to us. They cited the conviction as the reason for termination.We will send a report to the collector as his office had asked for a report two days ago. We will send them a reply,” Anil Sable, education inspector, Mumbai West, told Mirror.The termination letter sent by the school to the teacher cites the “moral turpitude” clause 28 (5) of the Maharashtra Employees of Private Schools (MEPS) (Conditions of Service) Rules, 1981. “Indulging in immodest or immoral behaviour with a female student has been proved against you in POCSO,” it reads.The letter states that the teacher had not filed an appeal. However, as per the Bombay High Court website, he has appealed against his conviction.Asked if the education department issued instructions for his removal, Sable said the school had taken a suo motu decision as the teacher had not filed an appeal within a stipulated period.Mirror tried reaching the school’s trustees for a comment, but they did not respond to calls and messages.The principal, who was the complainant in the case, said the teacher’s removal was an significant step in ensuring justice for students. “When I saw him back at the school in August, I was shocked. But the management informed me on Monday about the termination and asked me to adjust the timetable accordingly. I have done the needful,” she said.The principal has written to Union Minister for Women and Child Developmentrequesting her to clear any discrepancies and obstacles in the strict implementation of the POCSO Act.The school management had cited Section 33 (6) of MEPS rules, which prevents the management from initiating any action until a lower court’s decision is confirmed by a higher court, for allowing the teacher to continue teaching.“If there is such any clause or judicial loophole that creates a discrepancy in implementation of the POCSO Act, the Centre should amend the law to safeguard and protect children,” said the principal.She pointed out that while the education department was citing MEPS rules in the teacher’s case, it did not cite any such rule when she was removed from service after filing an FIR in the case.The principal hoped that her case would inspire her peers to act against sexual harassment. “I kept fighting so that more people get the courage to speak up. The government should empower principals under POCSO Act to take appropriate action.”However, the years-long battle which left her without a job—she was sacked by the school trustees just weeks after filing a police complaint against the teacher —has taken a toll on her. “I don’t think the next time I will put myself in such a situation again,” she said.

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