Barely a fortnight after her wedding, a special education teacher found herself terminated from her job. The special school for hearing and speech impaired children was run by the Krishnagiri District Deaf Trust (KDDT), with funds from District Differently-abled Welfare Department. It is an early intervention centre for special children with hearing and speech impairment from 0 to 6 years of age.
Sudha, qualified in special education, was in employment for over 9 years with the special school. However, in April, she claims to have been forced to submit her resignation letter at the behest of the Trust, she alleges. “I was made to submit my resignation letter at the differently-abled welfare office, and state that in the wake of my marriage, I had decided to resign.” In her place, the wife of an office-bearer of the Trust was appointed.
Following her petition to the Tamil Nadu Association for the Rights of All Types of Differently Abled and Caregivers ( TARATDAC), her complaint was pursued by the TARATDAC activists here.
Sudha narrated to The Hindu , “I got married on April 11, and came to work the next day. I had already asked for a day’s leave on April 27 for my reception. It was conveyed to K. Prakash, (the office-bearer in question, whose wife was appointed).”
The next day, on April 28, she was summarily asked to step down by Mr.Prakash, citing her absence the previous day. “I was told a surprise visit was conducted at school and it was found locked.” However, the ledger that would have to be signed in the event of an inspection was not signed, she says.
According to her petition, upon her termination, the wife of the office-bearer of the trust was appointed to her teaching position from June. “The past two months had been difficult,” says Sudha, who was earning Rs.10,000 until then.
Sudha’s allegation was countered by K.Suresh Babu, president of KDDT. “She seemed disinclined with teaching and hence it was suggested she resign.” However, Mr. Suresh Babu did not respond to the conflict of interest in appointing the wife of an office-bearer of the Trust, upon the exit of a qualified special teacher.
Late Monday evening, acting on the complaint post-inquiry, Collector C. Kathiravan derecognised the Trust and passed orders for appointment of a new NGO trained in audiology.
The aggrieved teacher Sudha was also reinstated. “The Trust had exceeded its brief by forcing the teacher to resign and appoint someone without discussing with the administration,” said Babu, Differently-abled Welfare Officer.
TARATDAC activists escorted an elated Sudha, who until few hours ago was a picture of wreck, back to school late Monday evening.
