Rumour can land teachers in a soup
2 min readPatna: Teachers beware! A rumour, a fake news story or indecent language can now land you in a soup.
Patna district education officer Jyoti Kumar issued a notification on Friday under which teachers found involved in the above would have to face action.
The notification issued by Kumar says action will be taken against the people concerned under Information Technology Act, 2000, and cyber crime laws.
District education officer Jyoti Kumar said that the notification was issued after the department came across many fake posts and posts involving indecent languages by teachers and other education department officials.
A senior education department official, who didn’t wish to be quoted, reasoned why such directive was issued by the department.
“Such things show the department in poor light. The matter is even more serious because social media posts go viral within no time,” the official said. “The education department has already become a butt of jokes because of the earlier revelation related to Class X results of Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) Board. Last year’s topper scam news has already shaken the department.”
The notification issued by Kumar goes somewhat like this: “Often we are coming across cases in which teachers and education department officials in the district are posting fake news or indecent language on social media (WhatsApp and Facebook account), which is in a way violation of the freedom of speech. If one is found guilty of posting fake posts or insulting posts on WhatsApp and Facebook, action would be taken under the IT act and cyber laws. The group admins are now directed to motivate others in the group for anything following rules and regulations. In case of wrong or indecent posts, admin would also be held responsible,” says the notification issued by DEO.
A copy of the notification has been forwarded to principals of all schools and district middle school association representatives, senior superintendent of police among others.
General secretary of Madhyamik Shikshak Sangh and former MP Shatrughan Prasad Singh said that teachers should not be held responsible in case they shared news of print or electronic media on their social media account, which later turn out to be fake.
“How can action be taken against teachers in this case,” Singh asked. “In case we are sharing a news that has come out in the print or electronic media on our social media account, and it later turns out to be fake, then the concerned news agency is at fault and not we teachers. So far as using indecent language is concerned, it is the most objectionable thing if a teacher uses language which in a way defames others, or does character assassination. Teachers must avoid such things, else they should face action.”
Courtesy: The Telegraph
