Araria: A teacher at a govt primary school in Araria district has come under scrutiny after a video allegedly showing students carrying classroom benches across a waterlogged campus to help her reach the classroom went viral, triggering outrage among parents and locals.The incident took place at Government Primary School, Khajurbari, Ward No. 10, under Forbesganj block, where recent rain had left the premises flooded.The video purportedly shows students placing benches one after another while the teacher, Afsana Praveen, walked over them to avoid stepping into the water. After each step, the children were seen moving the benches ahead to create a temporary pathway.The footage drew criticism from parents and residents, who questioned the involvement of schoolchildren in the exercise.The school’s headmistress said the teacher suffered from an allergy to water and had sought the students’ help. The explanation, however, failed to satisfy many parents, who demanded action.Taking serious note of the video, district education officer (DEO) Saheb Alam issued a show-cause notice to the headmistress, seeking a detailed explanation within 24 hours.The DEO said if the allegations shown in the video were found to be true, disciplinary action would be initiated under the applicable service rules governing govt school teachers. The department has launched an inquiry into the matter.Residents also questioned why the school campus remained waterlogged and called for improvements in drainage and basic infrastructure.Ashok Sah, a resident of nearby Jogbani, said the episode had hurt the sentiments of parents and shaken public confidence in the school’s functioning.The district administration is expected to take a decision after examining the headmistress’s reply and the findings of the inquiry.
