The Block Education Officer (BEO) of Dharmasala, located in Odisha’s Jajpur district, has issued a show cause notice to a government primary school headmaster for allegedly arriving at school in a drunken state. The incident came to light after concerned guardians and the school’s managing committee reported the headmaster’s behaviour, demanding immediate action.
According to reports, the headmaster, who works at a primary school in Anjira panchayat, has a history of attending school under the influence of alcohol. A viral video showing him intoxicated and lying on the road near the school further fueled calls for disciplinary measures, prompting the BEO's intervention. Parents expressed their concerns for the safety and education of their children, urging the authorities to transfer the headmaster to prevent future occurrences.
BEO Abhijit Barik confirmed that the show cause notice has been issued, requiring the headmaster to respond within three days. "We will take appropriate action based on his response," Barik stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations. The incident highlights ongoing issues within the district, as this is not the first case of educators reportedly attending school under the influence. Last year, three similar incidents were documented in the Jajpur district, raising alarms about the need for stricter oversight and accountability among teachers.
The situation has sparked discussions among parents and educational authorities about maintaining professionalism and integrity within schools. Stakeholders call for enhanced monitoring and support systems to ensure that such incidents do not compromise the quality of education and the safety of students. As the investigation unfolds, the community awaits further action from the education department to address these serious concerns.
