School deprives teacher of salary

Somnath Banstola

ITAHARI: Disability proved to be a curse for Nirmala Nepal, who teaches in Public

Higher Secondary School in Dharan.

Her former employer — Amar Primary School in Dharan-13 — deprived her of salary for six years from April 20, 2001 to May 26, 2007.

Though Nepal was associated with Amar Primary School as a permanent primary-level teacher, her travails began in 2001 following a personal tragedy.

She became disabled after her brother-in-law attacked her with a sharp weapon in 2000.

The school authorities allegedly prevented her from joining work after the injury-induced lay-off.

Ambika Shrestha, headmaster, Amar Primary School, and Haripyara Shrestha, chairman, school management committee, not only abused Nepal but also told her in no uncertain term that she should quit her job immediately.

The duo cited disability as the reason for her being

unfit for the job.

“I went on leave for a few months. Subsequently, I made several attempts to rejoin. But each time, the authorities thwarted my move. I approached the District Education Office (DEO) for redressal. This led them relent. I was allowed to work from May 26 to June 24, 2003. But they never paid me during this period. Though they offered me to take a 50 per cent pay cut, I refused,” she recounted.

Despite being a permanent teacher, Nepal was terminated from the service on September 18, 2003.

Haripyara Shrestha countered the allegations.

“We had to hire a replacement for Nirmala since she was in no position to work. We had to pay for two persons. Hence, we suggested her to take a 50 per cent pay cut,” he explained.

Nirmala moved apex court against the school management committee and headmaster on October 21, 2005.

The Supreme Court ordered the Ministry of Education to ensure that her dues were cleared.

“Amar Primary School authorities defied the SC verdict. I was compelled to put up my case with the DEO. Soon, I was transferred to the Public Secondary School in Dharan-12 on June 7, 2007,” she added.

Despite her repeated entreaties, her previous employer is yet to clear her outstanding. According to her, the school owes her Rs 365,000. Nirmala has also demanded action against Ambika Shretha and Haripyara Shrestha. Rajan Gelal, school inspector, DEO, Sunsari, said that he was looking into the matter.

“A final decision is expected after Chhath,” he added.