New Delhi: In the wake of allegations of religious conversion levelled against a teacher in Tamil Nadu, the state education minister on Thursday said they have ordered an inquiry and are awaiting the report.
According to report by news agency ANI, Tamil Nadu Education Minister Anbil Mahesh said, “We have suspended the teacher but awaiting a detailed inquiry (report) on what exactly happened...We have (issued) appointment circulars to all govt schools (on) what steps to be taken.”
Notably, the students of Kannatuvilai Government School in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari, alleged that the tailoring teacher preached Christianity during the class hours.
The teacher, identified as Piyatris Thangam, had been trying to preach Christianity and forced the students to stitch a particular religious symbol before learning other designs. The students also said that the teacher forced them to offer prayers during the class hour.
"The teacher keeps saying that Bible is the best book while Bhagwad Gita should not be followed. The teacher also preaches the verses of Bible," a report by ABP Nadu quoted a student as saying.
According to some students, the teacher would call them from various classes and would make them kneel and pray after the lunch break.
Taking note of the allegations, Kanyakumari Chief Educational Officer Pugazhendi on Wednesday ordered an investigation into the matter.
"I have ordered district education officer to visit the school and conduct a probe. Once the details of the probe are out, we will decide on the next course of action,” he said.
Pugazhendi further added that action will be taken against the teacher if the allegations against her are found to be true.