T’puram: State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has directed the director of public instruction (DPI) to appoint a permanent headteacher to the vacant post of the headmaster at the Govt Blind School, Vazhuthacaud, at the earliest.SHRC chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas issued the direction while considering a complaint filed by parent P Gopan on behalf of students. The complaint raised allegations against a teacher who was holding charge as headmistress of the school.Among the allegations was that the teacher had called the police to the school to threaten minor students. The commission sought a report from the DPI on the complaints.In its report, the public education director informed SHRC that the teacher holding charge as headmistress, school staff and parents were functioning in different groups. Though directions had been issued to ensure coordination in the functioning of the school, the situation had not improved, the report said.Meanwhile, the education department secretary directed the DPI to remove the teacher and entrust responsibility to another senior teacher.The commission also directed that the DEO inspect the functioning of the school at regular intervals and that disciplinary action be taken if complaints are received against teachers. The DDE was asked to take steps to audit the school’s accounts.Justice Thomas said the DPI was bound to implement the govt secretary’s directions unless they were withdrawn by the govt or quashed by a court.
