Unbelievable! Male Teacher Approved for Maternity Leave
The Bihar Education Department has come under fire for a bizarre incident where a male teacher was mistakenly granted maternity leave. The error, caused by glitches in the newly launched e-Shiksha Kosh portal, has sparked widespread debate and ridicule.
What Happened?
The incident involves Mohammad Zaheer, a teacher at Upkramit Madhya Vidyalaya Dhodri in Sono block, Bihar. Zaheer applied for medical leave from November 18 to November 27. While his leave request was approved by the school and block education officer, the e-Shiksha Kosh portal inaccurately recorded it as maternity leave.
This mistake quickly gained attention, with social media users questioning how such an error could occur. Many pointed out the absurdity of a male teacher being granted maternity leave—a benefit typically reserved for female employees during or after pregnancy.
Not an Isolated Incident
This is not the first time the portal has faced criticism. A similar error was reported in Vaishali district, where a male teacher from Hasanpur Osti Higher Secondary School was also mistakenly listed as being on maternity leave. Despite applying for regular medical leave, his record on the portal inaccurately reflected maternity leave for November and December, leading to confusion and public ridicule.
Manoj Kumar Gunjan, the headmaster of the school, confirmed the issue and reported it to the authorities. Similarly, Mahua’s Block Education Officer, Archana Kumari, admitted the mistake, attributing it to technical glitches in the system.
Paternity vs. Maternity Leave
Male teachers are entitled to paternity leave for up to 15 days, whereas maternity leave is exclusively for female employees who have recently given birth. Errors like these highlight the potential for confusion and mismanagement caused by faulty systems.
Recurring Issues with the e-Shiksha Kosh Portal
The e-Shiksha Kosh portal, introduced in November to manage teacher attendance, has faced several glitches since its launch. Although designed to simplify administrative processes, these errors have undermined its reliability and functionality.
Block Education Officer Archana Kumari assured that steps are being taken to correct the error. Similarly, Establishment DPO Paras Kumar acknowledged the portal’s technical flaws and confirmed an ongoing investigation into the matter.
Moving Forward
As the education department works to address these issues, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust systems in managing critical administrative tasks. While digital tools can streamline processes, technical glitches can cause significant disruptions if not addressed promptly.
The Bihar Education Department has assured that corrective measures are underway, with a focus on preventing such errors in the future.
Source: Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
