Alwar: A government school principal in Rajasthan’s Alwar district has been suspended after a video purportedly showing him bathing with girl students at a dam surfaced on social media, prompting concerns over student safety and professional conduct.
The Directorate of Secondary Education, Bikaner, suspended Lal Chand Meena, principal of Government Senior Secondary School, Raubavi Padak Chhapli, with immediate effect. A departmental inquiry has also been ordered into the incident.
Principal took students to prohibited dam
According to the suspension order, Meena allegedly took more than 200 students to a dam on August 15. The water body reportedly had around 11 feet of water, and bathing at the site was prohibited because of the risk of drowning.
A video that subsequently circulated on social media allegedly showed the principal bathing with girl students at the location. The department described the conduct as prima facie contrary to the code of conduct applicable to public servants.
The incident has raised serious questions about the responsibility of school authorities while organising educational outings, particularly when students are taken to locations where safety restrictions are in place.
Department begins inquiry
The education department has initiated a departmental inquiry to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the principal’s role.
The suspension order stated that the videos involving Meena and the girl students had raised concerns serious enough to warrant administrative action pending the inquiry.
The incident also highlights the need for schools to ensure strict supervision, appropriate safeguards and adherence to safety rules during student excursions and outdoor activities.
The findings of the departmental inquiry will determine further action against the principal.