Patna: On September 1, 2023, a teacher in Khagaria, Bihar, found himself suspended following comments critical of the state education department's decision to reduce school holidays during significant festivals, including Rakshabandhan. His remarks, directed at the additional chief secretary of the Bihar education department, K K Pathak, were captured in a three-minute video recorded as the teacher's sister tied a rakhi on his wrist within the school premises, as he didn't receive a holiday on the festival due to the new rule. In the video, Sunil Kumar also issued a warning to Pathak, suggesting that he would face consequences within six months.

बिहार में नियोजित शिक्षकों का रक्षाबंधन की छुट्टी रद्द होने के बाद एक शिक्षक की बहन रोती हुई भागलपुर से खगड़िया के मथुरापुर विद्यालय पहुँची अपने भाई को बाँधी राखी,शिक्षक भाई ने निकाली भरास . pic.twitter.com/ZU5QnJlsIl

— बिहार शिक्षक मंच (@btetctet) August 31, 2023

A suspension order issued on September 1, 2023, cites Sunil Kumar's use of indecent and objectionable language directed at higher-ranking officials as the reason for his suspension. The order specifies that Kumar's salary payments will be withheld immediately. The suspension order points to the Bihar Elementary School Service (Appointment, Promotion, Transfer, Disciplinary Action, and Service Conditions) Rules of 2020, which unequivocally prohibit such behavior and require all employees to uphold a code of conduct while working in the education sector.

The Bihar Shikshak Manch shared Sunil Kumar's video on X and highlighted the emotional context, as his sister traveled from Bhagalpur to Khagaria to celebrate Raksha Bandhan with him. In the video, Kumar vehemently criticized the decision to cancel Raksha Bandhan leave, claiming it undermined the bond between brothers and sisters across Bihar. The teacher's emotional outburst included strong language directed at K K Pathak, questioning his understanding of the significance of festivals and his role as the chief secretary of the Bihar education department. The decision to reduce festival holidays in government schools during the last five months of the year has led to political controversy, with the BJP accusing the government of being anti-Hindu.

The notice issued by the state education department on August 29, 2023, explained that the reduction in festival holidays aimed to standardize the number of working days in schools across districts. Government schools canceled leaves for festivals like Raksha Bandhan, Teej, and Jiutia, reducing the overall number of non-working days due to holidays from 23 to 11 between September and December. The revised holiday schedule introduced one-day school holidays for Chehlum, Anant Chaturdashi, Prophet Mohammed's birthday, and Mahatma Gandhi's birthday. Durga Pooja resulted in a three-day school closure, while Diwali led to a one-day holiday. Chitragupta Puja, Bhaiya Dooj, Chhath, and Christmas were also included in the revised schedule, with varying lengths of school holidays.

The state education department cited the Right to Education Act of 2009, which mandates a minimum of 200 teaching days per year for primary schools and 220 days for middle schools. Consequently, the department adjusted the holiday calendar for the remaining months of the year, reducing holidays from 22 days to eight days starting in September. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed support for the decision, emphasizing the importance of education in schools and endorsing K K Pathak's role in implementing the changes. Rewritten in English, the article provides an overview of the situation where a teacher's suspension resulted from his critical comments regarding the reduction of school holidays during festivals, following a decision by the Bihar education department. The emotional context and political controversy surrounding the issue are highlighted, along with the revised holiday schedule and the state's compliance with the Right to Education Act. Bihar's Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, also expressed his support for the decision.

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