Sargodha: School teacher suspended over ‘anti-government’ posts on social media

A primary school teacher of Sargodha has been suspended on allegations of provoking his colleagues on social media against the government while being on duty. 

The action was taken under the Punjab Employees, Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability Act 2006 (PEEDA).

Asad Hayat, who was appointed in Primary School Chak number 5 Rakh Dharema, was suspended by Sargodha District Education Officer (DEO) with immediate effect on charges of spreading propaganda against state institutions, the present government, misuse of social media, misconduct and using the internet during duty hours.

Geo News shared the suspension order, which states, “The services of Asad Hayat, PST, Govt. Primary School Chak No.5 Rakh Dharema Sargodha are hereby suspended with immediate effect under the PEEDA Act-2006.”

The sections under which he has been suspended were not mentioned in the notification. Asad was directed to report to the concerned office immediately.

In September, a show cause notice was issued to the Headmaster of the Government Special Education Center Chichawatani District in Sahiwal for passing political remarks on WhatsApp.

The notice served to him stated that a complaint had been filed against Abdul Karim, the headmaster, on the Chief Minister of Punjab’s complaint portal, saying that he had made statements on a WhatsApp group that were meant to discredit the government of Punjab.

The show cause notice was issued under Section 7(b) and Section 5(1)(a) of the Peeda Act, 2006. 

In October, four teachers of Kasur’s Government Girls High School Basti Lal Shah Tehsil were suspended for cutting spinach within the school to make saag- a popular local dish.

 
The charges pressed against them were in terms of section 6 read with section 5 of the PEEDA Act [Punjab Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability Act], 2006.