Rajasthan: Notice to Education Department, Court asks- “Why action was taken against teacher Hemlata Bairwa?”

The Dalit female teacher was suspended and posted to Bikaner headquarters against the rules. Hemlata took refuge in the court against this order. The court has issued a show cause notice to the education department and sought a reply.

Abdul Mahir

Jaipur. Social organizations are coming forward to provide legal and financial help to Dalit female teacher Hemlata Bairwa, who refused to worship Saraswati Devi in ??the government school on Republic Day and called her “Savitribai Phule, the goddess of children”. Ajaak (Scheduled Caste Employees Officers Organization) has given financial help of Rs 50,000 to Hemlata Bairwa (Prabodhak, Government Higher Primary School Lakdai, District Baran) for legal aid. Here, the Dalit female teacher has challenged the suspension action in the competent court. The court has issued a show cause notice to the education department and sought a reply. Rajni Brijesh, Kailash Narayan, Dr. Satish Chand and Sumer Singh, an engineer from Kota, handed over a cheque of Rs 50,000 to Hemlata Bairwa. This amount will be used in Hemlata’s legal battle against the government order.

Ajak’s patron, retired IPS Satyavir Singh told The Mooknayak, “Our organisation works for the constitutional rights and protection of employees and officers. In Hemlata’s case, the organisation had asked for legal help. However, they have decided to arrange for a lawyer at their own level and fight a legal battle against the government’s suspension order.”

He said, “The organisation has tried to provide whatever financial help it can for her compensation. So that the morale of the employee remains high. She gets financial support. This will also inspire people to join organisations and unite. Apart from them, Pooja Bunkar and Mukesh Bunkar have also become victims of government harassment due to malice by the officials of the education department. The organisation has also helped them with Rs 15,000 each.” Hemlata talked about following the constitution in government educational institutions. Despite this, the government took action against her. On this, former IPS Satyavir Singh said, “The Indian Constitution was made under the leadership of Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, in which it was thought that gradually all people will move forward by adopting a scientific approach. The rights of freedom of the individual will be protected under the Constitution.” The Mooknayak spoke to Hemlata Bairwa. She again reiterated, “What wrong did I do? Under the Constitution, education of any religion cannot be given in a government educational institution. Neither can worship be done. On Republic Day, I was pressured to worship Saraswati. Citing the Constitution, I refused to worship. I told Savitribai Phule to be the goddess of children.” Hemlata asked, “Why so much aversion towards those who talk about the Constitution? When I spoke about the Constitution, one-sided action was taken against me. I was suspended for harassment and sent to Bikaner, 600 kms away from the headquarters against the rules. I am a Dalit, so action was taken against me only. Other teachers were also involved in this incident, but no action was taken against them?”

On the financial help received from Ajaak, she said, “Ajaak has provided financial support for legal aid. I have been given a cheque. I will use this amount in the legal battle against injustice.” She said, “I have faith in the Constitution. Truth will prevail.” She says, “I have appealed in the court against the departmental order. After the hearing in the Rajasthan High Court on Monday, the court has issued a show cause notice to the Rajasthan Education Department.” She said, “No action has been taken in the FIR registered in the local police station.” On the question of pressure after the FIR, she said – “Yes… some people have asked to withdraw the case through the villagers. They have also said that if she withdraws the case, she will be given posting in the same school.” On asking who are those people, she said, “I don’t know. They have not spoken to me directly.” She said, “I will fight for justice till my last breath. I have faith in the law. I can be harassed. I cannot be defeated. Hemlata Bairwa has not yet joined the Directorate of Education Department, Bikaner in compliance with the order.

Courtesy : Hindi News