Gujarat Teacher Investigated for Salary Abuse

The Gujarat government has launched an investigation into Bhavna Patel, a government schoolteacher who has allegedly remained on the payroll while living in the US for the past eight years, only reporting for duty briefly each year. The principal of her school in Banaskantha, Parul Mehta, reported that Patel has taken unauthorized leave and has not effectively participated in teaching, adversely impacting students. Education Minister Kuber Dindor has ordered a probe, emphasizing that punitive action will be taken if Patel is found guilty of unauthorized absence, with the potential for salary recovery. Minister of State for Education Praful Pansheriya confirmed that Patel has not been paid since January 2023 and will face strict actions if any further misconduct is revealed. Reports indicate Patel, a permanent US resident since 2013, typically only visits Gujarat during school holidays and has not engaged with students during these visits. A show-cause notice has been issued as part of the disciplinary action process against her.