A government school headmistress in Chhattisgarh has been suspended after serious allegations surfaced that she was allegedly attempting to influence schoolchildren towards Christianity and encouraging activities seen as disrespectful to Hindu beliefs.
Lakshmi Devi Bhardwaj, headmistress of PM Shri Government Girls Primary School in Baloda of Janjgir-Champa district, was suspended by the district education department following complaints from villagers, parents and local organisations.
The action was taken after an internal inquiry by the District Education Officer (DEO), who said the allegations amounted to “serious misconduct” and violated service conduct rules.
Parents Allege Religious Influence in School
According to complaints submitted by villagers and parents, students at the school were allegedly being encouraged to recite phrases such as “God is Great” and “Hallelujah” during morning assemblies instead of singing the national anthem “Jana Gana Mana”.
Residents also accused the headmistress of allegedly influencing children against Hindu culture and Hindu deities.
“Children were being taught religious lines during school prayers. Parents became worried about what kind of environment was being created in a government school,” a villager alleged.
As the issue spread across the village, anger reportedly grew among parents and Hindu organisations, who accused the education department of ignoring complaints for months.
Public Camp Triggered Action
The controversy intensified after villagers raised the issue publicly during a grievance redressal camp held in Bhilai village on May 7.
Soon after the matter was discussed openly, the education department reportedly initiated action and issued a suspension order against the headmistress.
The District Education Officer stated in the suspension order that prima facie evidence suggested serious misconduct under the Chhattisgarh Civil Services Conduct Rules.
She was suspended under provisions of the Chhattisgarh Civil Services Classification Control and Appeal Rules and attached to the office of the Block Education Officer in Baloda during the suspension period.
Financial Misconduct Allegations Also Surface
Apart from the conversion-related allegations, the inquiry also reportedly uncovered accusations of financial irregularities involving school funds.
According to officials, complaints alleged misuse of School Management Committee funds without proper approval.
The inquiry also pointed to alleged irregularities in grants received under Samagra Shiksha and other schemes between the financial years 2021-22 and 2023-24.
Officials claimed fake bill vouchers were allegedly submitted and payments were reportedly issued in the names of relatives.
The education department said a show-cause notice had earlier been served to the headmistress, but her reply was found “unsatisfactory”.
Police Register Case
Following tensions in the area, police at Baloda police station also registered a case under sections related to apprehension of breach of peace under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Officials said the matter was being treated as sensitive due to growing public anger.
Villagers have demanded a fair and detailed investigation into the allegations and have called for strict action if the accusations are proven.
“The issue concerns children studying in a government school. A proper investigation must take place,” a local resident said.
