Headmaster of Majuli school suspended for trimming students' hair

GUWAHATI: The Assam government has suspended the headmaster of Auniati High School in Majuli district for cutting off hair of 17 male students from satras (Vaishnavite monasteries).

Revoking its previous order to transfer Prashanta Dulakashariya, the accused headmaster, the directorate of secondary education on Thursday issued a fresh order suspending him for ‘hurting the sentiments of the Vaishnavites.’ Earlier, as an immediate measure, the headmaster was transferred to Ahatguri High School, Majuli, on April 30 and two assistant teachers, allegedly involved in the incident, were also suspended.

Besides, two other teachers were served showcause notices. As per the tradition of Vaishnavite monastries, keeping long hair is normal.

The incident, which took place at a government-run school near the Auniati Satra last week, caused quite a ruckus in Majuli, the assembly constituency represented by chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal. Sources in the state education department said considering the gravity of the issue in the land of satras, hurting the religious sentiments of the Satra fraternity can have a repercussion in the socio-political dimension. So, it has been decided to place the headmaster under suspension, they added.

The order, issued by the director of secondary education P Jidung, stated that apart from Dulakashariya, four other teachers of the school, including a female teacher, have been found involved in the incident after a probe. The order further said it has come to light after preliminary inquiry that Dulakashariya abetted his subordinate staff for doing unlawful activities.

After a massive hue and cry by the Satra fraternity and subsequent protests by the All Assam Students’ Union (Aasu), the matter was discussed with the commissioner and secretary to the state education department on May 1. A senior official of the directorate said there is prima facie sufficient ground to initiate departmental proceedings against Dulakashariya.

Tightening the nose around the headmaster, the order stated that during the period of suspension, Dulakashariya will not leave the headquarters without prior permission from the competent authorities and will not engage himself in any gainful activity. The inspector of schools (Jorhat district circle), who is also the in-charge inspector of schools for Majuli, has been directed to act as the in charge headmaster of the school till further orders.