School principal’s ‘misbehaviour’ in Singapore: Punjab education secy, director issue ‘contradictory’ orders

Officially, “daakhil daftar” or filing means a complaint has been disposed of, and no further action will be taken on it. However, the matter has been stored/ archived in government records.

Mitra’s order further says the alleged incident took place in the presence of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) director, who had accompanied the teachers’ group during the training held in Singapore. During the suspension, the “principal will be posted at the headquarters of the Education Department, Chandigarh”, the order reads, adding Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains “approved” it.

Notably, Mitra’s order mentions two dates — May 8 and May 19.

Meanwhile, Sodhi’s order — with the issuance date on May 9 — observes that “after a reply was received from the principal and related comments were given by the SCERT director, the show cause notice to the principal was ‘filed’ (disposed of), with a stern warning to the principal to remain careful in future”.

When contacted, both Mitra and Sodhi confirmed issuing their respective orders, but avoided commenting on each other’s letters.

About the Director’s order, Mitra said: “Not in my knowledge.”

“I issued the order to file (close) the matter after the SCERT director informed ‘the principal had apologised for his behaviour’. I was not aware of the suspension order(s) issued by Secretary madam. Since she is higher in rank, her orders will be implemented,” Sodhi said.