By Hasan Akram

Authorities in Bihar’s Katihar have reinstated a school teacher who was suspended on 8 August 2021 after he was seen selling sacks in a sarcastic manner, in a video clip that had gone viral on social media.

The teacher identified as Md Tamizuddin, was seen selling sacks and taking a jibe at the state administration. He said he had decided to sell sacks as Satish Chandra Jha, director of the Mid Day Meal initiative, had issued an order directing administrators of government-run schools to sell the empty sacks, in which rice was made available under the Mid Day Meal scheme, for Rs. 10 per piece and deposit the money to the concerned [local] office.

“I was selling the sacks at the government’s order. I was following an order, not opposing anything,” he told this correspondent.

His suspension was revoked on 24 January, two days after he wrote to local officers saying that no one can be legally suspended for more than 90 days but he has been suspended for more than 160 days. He added that he would protest on Republic Day under the national flag at the block headquarters, if he is not reinstated.

He was called by Block Education Officer Rameshwar Prasad Gupta on the same day at his office. After meeting him, Mr Gupta directed to concerned officers to revoke his suspension. Two days later, Mr Tamizuddin received a letter, revoking his suspension, from the panchayat secretary and joined the school on 25 January.

He is posted at Primary School Kantadih, Katihar, Bihar.

“I am very happy for my reinstatement. All officers – BDO, mukhiya and panchayat secratary – cooperated me to get my suspension revoked,” he added.