Teachers taking tuitions after school will be booked: HC

Justice SM Subramaniam, on holding that while Rule 8 of the Tamil Nadu Government Servant Conduct Rules prohibits a teacher/headmaster from directly or indirectly engaging himself/herself in any trade or business or undertake any employment, said, “The situation across the State is contrary to this and it is most unfortunate that teaches are soliciting students to join tuition classes at their homes or some other place organized by the teachers.”

Observing that taking tuition after school hours is a misconduct, the judge said the teaching profession is a noble one and they are expected to remain honest and dignified. However, they engage in trade and business by conducting tuitions and officials who have knowledge about these activities remain mute spectators.

“Thus, it is high time that authorities opened their eyes and initiated appropriate action,” Justice Subramaniam said. He also noted that the circular issued should clearly state that such conduct of trade, business or taking tuitions has already been described as misconduct under the Tamil Government’s Conduct Rules warranting disciplinary proceedings under the relevant rules.

The tollfree number for complaining about sexual harassment could should also be utilised to report such misconduct and the teacher concerned should be prosecuted under the discipline and appeal rules, the judge held.