Patna: The Bihar government has issued a strong warning to government school teachers who mark their attendance and then leave schools without conducting classes.
Education Minister Mithilesh Kumar Tiwari said such behaviour would not be tolerated and could attract strict departmental action. He said teachers found guilty after investigation could face suspension or even dismissal from service.
The minister’s remarks come amid repeated complaints about teacher absenteeism in government schools across the state.
Government seeks greater accountability
According to the Education Department, improving educational outcomes requires greater accountability from teachers in addition to better infrastructure and resources.
Tiwari said teachers have a responsibility to remain present in schools throughout working hours and provide regular classroom instruction.
“Teachers cannot limit their role to signing attendance registers,” he said. “Their primary responsibility is to ensure quality education for students.”
Complaints to be investigated
The minister said any complaint alleging that a teacher left school after marking attendance would be examined.
If an inquiry confirms the allegations, the department will initiate disciplinary proceedings against the concerned teacher.
Officials said penalties could range from departmental action and suspension to termination of service in serious cases.
Monitoring mechanism strengthened
The government has also directed district and block-level officials to increase school inspections.
Authorities have been asked to verify the actual presence of teachers and monitor classroom activities regularly.
Officials will ensure that teachers report to schools on time and remain engaged in academic work throughout the school day.
Focus on learning outcomes
Education experts have long argued that attendance alone does not guarantee effective teaching.
They say regular classroom instruction, student guidance, completion of the syllabus and active engagement with students are essential responsibilities of teachers.
The Bihar government’s latest warning is being viewed as part of a broader effort to improve discipline and learning standards in government schools.
The effectiveness of the move, however, will depend on how consistently monitoring and enforcement measures are implemented on the ground.
