By Agartala Correspondent | Tripura 24.in AGARTALA | April 13, 2026
AGARTALA: Seeking immediate intervention against the rising instances of workplace harassment, the Shramajibi Nari Samanyaya Coordination Committee (Working Women’s Coordination Committee) submitted a formal deputation to the Joint Director of Secondary Education at Shiksha Bhavan today. The move comes as a direct response to a shocking incident where a female teacher was allegedly physically and verbally assaulted at the prestigious Umakanta Academy English Medium School.
The delegation, comprising several women leaders and social activists, raised slogans demanding the protection of dignity for female employees in the education sector.
The Incident at Umakanta School
The controversy erupted following an incident on April 2, where a senior male teacher, reportedly holding a leadership position in a political staff union, allegedly assaulted a junior female colleague in the school’s staff common room. According to witnesses, the assault occurred after the female teacher protested the male colleague’s boorish conduct and use of foul language.
Key Allegations:
- Physical Assault: The victim allegedly fainted in the staff room following the altercation.
- Delayed Action: Despite a staff meeting held on April 6, the victim’s supporters claim that the school administration failed to take strict disciplinary action, as the accused reportedly bypassed the inquiry.
- History of Misconduct: The Coordination Committee alleged that the accused has a long history of intimidating junior staff members, yet remained shielded by political affiliations.
Demands of the Coordination Committee
During the deputation at Shiksha Bhavan, the committee leaders presented a memorandum to the Joint Director with a list of non-negotiable demands:
- Immediate Suspension: The immediate suspension of the accused teacher pending a high-level departmental inquiry.
- Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) Activation: Ensuring that a functional ICC is active in all state schools to handle sexual harassment and physical assault cases as per the Vishaka Guidelines.
- Safety Guarantee: A written assurance from the Directorate of Secondary Education regarding the safety and security of female educators at Umakanta Academy and other urban schools.
- Legal Action: Facilitating a formal police investigation into the assault to ensure the perpetrator faces criminal charges.
“We Will Not Tolerate Insults”: Coordination Committee
Speaking to reporters after submitting the deputation, a spokesperson for the Shramajibi Nari Samanyaya Coordination Committee emphasized that silence is no longer an option.
”A school is supposed to be a place of learning and respect. If a female teacher is not safe within the walls of a staff room at a premier institution like Umakanta Academy, what is the message being sent to our students? We have told the Director that if the accused is not removed from the school premises within 48 hours, we will launch a state-wide protest involving all working women’s unions,” the spokesperson asserted.
Response from Education Department
The Joint Director of Secondary Education reportedly assured the delegation that a formal report has been sought from the Headmaster of Umakanta Academy. The department has promised to review the CCTV footage and staff statements before deciding on the final disciplinary measure.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage among the teaching community in Agartala, with many calling for a bipartisan approach to ensure that political clout does not obstruct justice in cases of workplace violence.
