Teacher Staying in US Draws Salary from Gujarat School

Ahmedabad: A head teacher at a government primary school in Gujarat’s Banaskantha is living in Chicago in the US for the past eight years, but is drawing a salary, alleged officials and parents, according to a report of India Today.

As per the India Today report that quotes school officials, the said teacher, Bhavnaben Patel, the head of Pancha Primary School in Ambaji as per the records, is a permanent citizen of the US since 2013 and holds a US green card.

Despite her long absence, Patel’s name continues on the school’s roster. She visits Gujarat during every Diwali, when the school is closed for holidays.

Parents and school staff have complained about the situation to education officials in the past. But no action has been taken by the authorities.

The primary education officer was quoted to have confirmed that Patel last visited the school in January 2023 and she is on unpaid leave since the start of 2024. A show-cause notice has been issued to Patel for disciplinary action.