In a recent move, Gujarat’s Education Minister, Praful Panseriya, has ordered the suspension of a school principal from Surat for allegedly making 33 unauthorized trips to Dubai over the past two years.
The principal, Sanjay Patel, is also accused of engaging in business activities during these trips, which were allegedly taken without the prior permission of the Surat Municipal School Board (MSB).
The issue came to light after an anonymous complaint was lodged a month ago with the MSB.
According to the complaint, Patel, who served as the principal at Municipal School No. 285, located in the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quarters in Surat's Amroli area, had provided various reasons such as sick leave to justify his frequent travel.
However, upon investigation, it was found that Patel had made these trips without informing the MSB, thus violating the Gujarat Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1971, specifically Section 3, which mandates that government employees seek approval before traveling abroad.
Mehul Patel, the MSB administrative officer who initiated the inquiry, confirmed that the principal had made an astonishing 33 trips to Dubai during his tenure. These findings prompted the Gujarat Education Minister to take swift action.
In a statement shared through a viral video message, Panseriya said, “We have ordered the immediate suspension of such teachers. Our state-wide drives have revealed that 60 teachers have traveled abroad without permission. We have suspended them as well.”
Further investigation revealed that while Patel was traveling abroad, he had not reported his absences or requested the necessary leave from the MSB.
Panseriya, in his message, emphasized that such actions could not be tolerated, stating that teachers working in smaller villages and remote areas, who perform their duties with sincerity, should be recognized, while those who violate the rules must face strict consequences.
Patel’s behavior has raised further concerns within the educational system. The MSB is now reviewing whether Patel received his monthly salary during the periods of his foreign trips.
Panseriya confirmed that any salary paid to Patel while he was abroad would be reclaimed. In addition, the Gujarat Education Department has ordered that legal action be taken against the principal.
Following the discovery of Patel’s actions, the MSB had issued notices to him earlier, but his responses were deemed unsatisfactory. When he failed to appear for further hearings, the decision to suspend him was made. The investigation into his conduct is still ongoing, and the MSB has plans to conduct a detailed inquiry into the matter.
Panseriya’s strong stance against such violations is part of a broader initiative to maintain integrity within the state’s educational system. The Gujarat government is focused on ensuring that school officials adhere to rules and regulations, with an emphasis on accountability for those in positions of responsibility.
The suspension of Patel serves as a clear warning to others who may consider ignoring protocols and undermining the trust placed in them by the government.
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