Assam Government Cracks Down on Absentee Teachers, Withholds Salaries of 4,907 Teachers

In a stringent move, the Assam government has taken action against teachers found absent during school hours, freezing the salaries of 4,907 teachers across government schools in the state.

The decision comes after it was found that these teachers failed to register their attendance on the Shiksha Setu app, a directive they were mandated to follow.

Speaking to the media, Education Minister Ranoj Pegu disclosed that over 4,000 teachers from 33 districts did not comply with the app’s attendance recording requirement.

This non-compliance has prompted the state to withhold their salaries until further notice.

He further emphasised that, as reported in different quarters, the salaries of the teachers have only been withheld, not stopped.

He further informed that an inquiry had been initiated to understand why they did not register their attendance on the app despite creating their profiles.

“Teachers who are on deputation, or are on leave, or are engaged in some other work have been exempted from inquiry,” Pegu said.

He further informed that the teachers would be given a chance to justify their actions. If the inquiry committee finds their justification fair and right, their salaries will be released immediately.

According to sources within the school education department, Secretary Narayan Konwar has compiled a detailed list of the errant teachers and distributed it to district authorities.

District Commissioners (DCs) have been tasked with investigating each case to ascertain the reasons behind the absences.

The move underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring accountability and regular attendance among teachers, aiming to improve the quality of education in Assam’s public schools.

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