Odisha: Visually Challenged Teacher Forced To Retire Without Any Fault

Sundergarh: Uninturrupted and dedicated services for long years may be a criterion for a government employee to get a cushy promotion. But, in the case of Tapeswari Panda, a teacher at Bhedavahal Primary School in Sundegarh, things happend just the opposite.

After 27 years of seamless services in her academic carrier, Panda has been given compulsory retirement even six years before of her actual retirement. Her only mistake was she lost her vision following a complex brain surgery three years ago.

Recently, the Block Education Officer (BEO) has issued a notification directing her to retire from the services on health ground. Such a decision of the government has become suicidal for her, she said.

"The punishment given by the government is so hard that I can hardly tolerate it. My mental condition has deteriorated to such an extent that I may commit sucide, she said.

Accoridng to reports, she had suffered from acute brain tumer which forced her to undergo a surgery in 2017. Post-operation, she lost her eyesight. However, the physical impairement had failed to deter her from discharging responsibility. She has never skiped classes nor showed negligence in performing her duty even after a complex brain operation, students said.

"She used to teach us in a unique manner. Her style of teaching is completely different from others. We will never get a teacher like her in future," said Salini Bhoi, a student.

Meanwhile, her family members wonder on how the government became so insensitive to her instead of being kind and benevolent.

"I believe that she can deliver her duty at par with a normal teacher even she is visually impaired. I request the government to reinstate her which could save our family from severe mental duress,” said Ramesh Panda, her husband.

Meanwhile, School and Mass Education Minister Sameer Dash has said that Tapeswari has been given compulsory retirement based on the preliminary report by the District Education Officer (DEO).

A team will be sent to investigate the matter and accordingly action will be taken, he added.