Balangir: A shocking incident has come to light in Balangir district, where a teacher was seen going to school with a saline drip after allegedly being denied leave by the principal.
The incident involves Prakash Bhoi, a mathematics teacher at Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya, Bhainsa, in Balangir.
According to reports, Bhoi had applied for leave after his grandfather’s death to attend the rituals. He informed the school principal, Bijayalaxmi Pradhan, about his condition through WhatsApp and phone calls. Despite his request, the principal allegedly refused to grant him leave and asked him to report to the District Education Officer (DEO) and District Project Coordinator (DPC).
After performing his grandfather’s last rites, Bhoi went to the DPC office in Balangir as instructed. However, around noon, he began feeling unwell again and requested permission from the principal to go to the hospital. Instead of showing concern for his health, Bhoi said the principal only asked if he could return to work by 2 pm for verification.
“I started feeling feverish around 12 pm, so I asked the principal for permission to go to the hospital. Instead of asking about my health, she asked if I could return by 2 pm for verification,” he said.
Unable to reach the government hospital due to its distance and lacking the money for private treatment, Bhoi continued working at the office until late evening. Later, he visited a government hospital, got medication, and returned home.
The following day, Bhoi informed the principal about his worsening health, requesting sick leave again. However, the principal allegedly denied his request, stating that he must come to school as preparations for the upcoming exams were underway. Despite his condition, Bhoi reported to school with the saline drip still attached, as his treatment had not finished in time.
Bhoi has claimed that this is not the first time he has faced difficulties in getting leave. He accused the principal of showing favoritism to other teachers while being unfair towards him.
“She denies me leave and harasses me, while other teachers get leave easily,” Bhoi stated.
After reaching school, Bhoi’s colleagues, concerned about his condition, rushed him to the hospital for further treatment.
In response, Patnagarh Block Education Officer (BEO) Shankar Prasad Majhi assured that an investigation would be conducted into the incident.
“We are looking into this case and if the teacher is indeed unwell and the principal did not grant leave, we will take appropriate action,” said Majhi.
