Over 100 teachers served with EC notice for not attending poll duty training

The commission has powers to recommend departmental action against the teachers if they fail to produce valid reasons. The ECI had training for poll duty for teachers from March 23 to 26.

“About one lakh teachers attended the four-day training session. However, 92 teachers have not attended in the first phase of training session that was held for presiding officers,” said a senior official from the Education Department. In the second session of training which is for booth related works, 20 teachers were absent, the official added.

Avoiding election duty is an offence punishable under the Representation of the People Act. As per rules, even teachers with disabilities should attend the training session for election work. According to the official, if the teachers failed to produce a convincing reason, it could lead to a departmental inquiry, and even suspension. “Teachers should give their representation within one week of the notice issued by ECI,” he added.

Meanwhile, sources from ECI said that about 80 teachers have sent their reply to the commission’s notice. “The replies given by the teachers will be scrutinised before taking any decision,” a State government official deputed on work to the commission said on condition of anonymity.

One of the teachers who received the show cause notice claimed that he and many of his colleagues now on the dock were busy evaluating answer sheets so that results could be published as per schedule.