Tamil Nadu BEO Faces Backlash for Making Teachers Transport Textbooks in Manapparai Block

The Tamil Nadu School Education Department has ordered an inquiry after allegations surfaced that teachers in Manapparai block of Tiruchy district were made to pack and transport textbooks for the second term from a local warehouse. The controversy began when videos of teachers carrying sacks of books and loading them into private vehicles went viral, prompting sharp criticism from teaching associations and public outrage.

I am writing about this issue because it highlights the recurring problem of teachers being assigned non-teaching tasks, diverting them from their primary role in the classroom. The matter also raises questions about administrative responsibility and compliance with government rules that are meant to safeguard teachers’ dignity and ensure proper distribution of learning materials. When educators are burdened with manual or logistical work, it not only disrupts the learning process but also reflects poor management practices within the system. This incident in Manapparai is a reminder of why accountability and respect for teaching staff are crucial in maintaining educational standards.

Inquiry Ordered into BEO’s Actions

Following the reports, the School Education Department directed the Chief Educational Officer (CEO) of Tiruchy to conduct a detailed inquiry into the allegations against the Block Education Officer (BEO) of Manapparai. Department sources confirmed that an internal investigation is underway to verify whether teachers were indeed instructed to transport the books themselves, violating government protocol.

According to officials, the inquiry will review video evidence, statements from school headmasters, and instructions issued by the BEO on the matter. If found guilty, disciplinary action may be initiated under departmental service rules.

What Triggered the Controversy

The issue reportedly began on September 26, the last working day of the first term, when headmasters of more than 110 government, aided, and municipal schools under Manapparai block were asked to send one teacher each to the Manapparai Municipality Elementary School warehouse.

Teachers said they were told to bring gunny sacks or bags, pack textbooks and notebooks meant for the second term, and transport them back to their respective schools, some located as far as 40 kilometres away.

This manual task — usually handled by contracted logistics staff — forced teachers to spend hours packing and lifting heavy loads.

Federation Condemns “Violation of Procedure”

The Tamil Nadu Elementary School Teachers Federation (TNESTF) condemned the BEO’s actions, calling it a clear violation of state norms. According to government procedure, textbooks are supposed to be distributed directly to schools through officially arranged transport vehicles by the Textbook and Educational Services Corporation.

“The BEO has no authority to make teachers do this kind of work. It’s humiliating and goes against the spirit of the department’s orders,” said R. Jayavel, a representative of TNESTF. The federation also accused the official of misusing authority and disregarding teachers’ dignity.

Following the viral videos, the federation sent a written complaint to the Directorate of Elementary Education, demanding immediate suspension of the BEO pending the inquiry.

Teachers Express Frustration

Many teachers involved in the incident shared their experiences anonymously, expressing frustration over being treated as labourers rather than educators.

“We were asked to come to the warehouse with our own transport. Some teachers hired auto-rickshaws or borrowed vehicles. It took us almost an entire day to pack and carry the books back. This is not what we’re meant to do,” one teacher said.

Another teacher added that the timing of the task — on the last working day before term holidays — made it even more stressful. “We were supposed to wrap up academic work and prepare progress reports that day, but this order disrupted everything.”

Videos Spark Public Outrage

Clips showing teachers packing and loading books into vehicles were widely shared on social media platforms. The videos sparked criticism from the public and education activists, many of whom questioned the BEO’s management approach and lack of logistical planning.

Activists pointed out that this is not an isolated incident and that teachers across the state are often asked to perform non-academic duties, including election work, census surveys, and clerical tasks.

“This is a recurring problem. Teachers are overburdened with administrative work, leaving little time for lesson planning or student support. It’s time for the government to strictly enforce boundaries,” said an activist from Tiruchy-based education reform group EduRights Tamil Nadu.

UP Governor Anandiben Patel Urges Teachers to Focus on Character Building Alongside Education

Emphasising the role of education in shaping not just intellect but also integrity, Uttar Pradesh Governor and Chancellor Anandiben Patel on Monday urged teachers to focus on character building along with imparting academic knowledge. Addressing the 29th convocation ceremony of Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University (VBSPU) in Jaunpur, the Governor said that education should go beyond textbooks and examinations to nurture ethical, compassionate, and responsible citizens.

I am writing about this because character education is increasingly being recognised as a vital part of a student’s development. In a time when competition and technology dominate learning spaces, the Governor’s message serves as a timely reminder that education should help students grow as human beings who contribute positively to society. Her words underline a larger vision — that of education as a means to build both knowledge and values, laying the foundation for a stronger, more empathetic India.

Governor Highlights Importance of Research and Values

Governor Anandiben Patel, while addressing students and faculty at the convocation, stressed that both teachers and students must develop a passion for research. She said research not only strengthens academic progress but also plays a crucial role in solving real-world challenges that impact the nation and society.

“Teachers must not limit their role to teaching lessons from books. They must also guide students in developing moral strength, discipline, and compassion. Education without values is incomplete,” Patel said.

She also encouraged students to explore research areas that directly benefit communities, such as agriculture, health, rural development, and women’s empowerment.

Convocation Highlights

The 29th convocation ceremony at VBSPU, Jaunpur, was a grand occasion celebrating the achievements of students and scholars. On the occasion, Governor Patel presented 80 gold medals to 79 meritorious students from undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

A total of 445 research scholars received PhD degrees, and two scholars were conferred DLitt degrees. This year, as many as 80,141 students from various academic courses were awarded degrees at the university.

In recognition of his contributions to the industry, the Governor also conferred an honorary DSc degree upon Sunil Dutt, President of Devices and Sales at Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited.

Teachers’ Role in Building Character

During her speech, Patel spoke extensively about the moral responsibility of educators in today’s society. She said teachers must help students understand values such as honesty, empathy, respect, and discipline. These, she noted, are as essential as academic success.

“Teachers shape the next generation. When they guide students to be not just educated but also ethical, they strengthen the social fabric of the nation,” she remarked.

She further noted that universities and schools should include activities like community service, leadership training, and environmental awareness programmes in their curriculum to foster overall development among students.

Research as a Driver of National Growth

Patel placed strong emphasis on the need for innovative and socially relevant research. She said that universities must serve as centres of innovation that address challenges faced by common people.

She encouraged students to take up projects that benefit rural communities and contribute to India’s progress toward self-reliance (Atmanirbharta). “Every student and teacher should see research as a tool to serve the nation,” she said.

According to her, the younger generation must focus on finding local solutions using science, technology, and entrepreneurship to improve the quality of life in villages and towns.

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