https://educationtoday.co/blog/blog-details?id=2905&url=Teachers-Suspended-for-Forcing-Students-to-Work-in-Hostel-Kitchen-A-Disturbing-Trend-in-Schools *Teachers Suspended for Forcing Students to Work in Hostel Kitchen: A Disturbing Trend in Schools* In a shocking incident from Telangana’s Sangareddy district, two teachers of a residential tribal welfare school in Kangti were suspended for allegedly forcing students to work in the hostel kitchen. The decision was taken after a thorough inquiry by the regional divisional officer (RDO), Narayankhed, and subsequent orders from district collector Kranthi Valluru. Investigation and Immediate Action Following complaints, RDO D. Ashok Chakravarthy conducted an inquiry and found substantial evidence that students were being made to work in the hostel kitchen under the supervision of two teachers—G. Mahesh, the school’s physical director, and K. Shivakumar, a mathematics teacher. Based on the investigation findings, the district collector ordered the suspension of both teachers on February 22, 2025. This suspension is part of an ongoing effort to curb unethical and exploitative practices in educational institutions. Authorities have reiterated that students should not be subjected to any form of forced labor, particularly in institutions meant for their welfare and holistic development. Recurring Violations in Schools This incident is not an isolated case. On January 25, just a month before, three teachers from a mandal parishad school at KPHB Colony in Sangareddy district were suspended for allegedly forcing students to clean the school playground. Teachers Manjula, Sharada, and Nagamani allegedly made students clear gravel and lift stones as part of a cleanup exercise. District officials took swift action following the revelation, with collector Kranthi Valluru ordering their immediate suspension. These back-to-back cases have raised serious concerns about the treatment of students in schools, particularly in institutions meant to uphold the highest standards of education and child welfare. Concerns Over Student Exploitation The suspension of these teachers has ignited widespread discussions about educators' ethical responsibilities. Schools are meant to be safe environments that foster learning, creativity, and character building. However, incidents like these highlight gaps in school oversight and raise concerns about the welfare of students in government and welfare institutions. Parents and activists have expressed strong disapproval, emphasizing that forcing students to perform manual labor—especially in school kitchens or playgrounds—violates their rights and disrupts their academic growth. Such incidents undermine students' dignity and create an atmosphere of fear and coercion. Authorities’ Stand on the Issue Education officials and district authorities have reassured the public that strict actions will continue against any teacher or staff member engaging in such exploitative practices. Collector Kranthi Valluru has stated that no misconduct will be tolerated and that necessary policies will be reinforced to prevent such incidents from recurring. Officials have also emphasized that schools should focus on providing a nurturing and disciplined environment where students can thrive academically and personally. The swift response to these cases demonstrates that violating these principles will invite strict disciplinary action. The Need for Greater Oversight and Training While suspending teachers responsible for such actions is a step in the right direction, experts believe that further reforms are necessary to ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future. Some key recommendations include: 1. Stricter Monitoring Mechanisms - Regular and unannounced inspections of school hostels and premises to identify any signs of student exploitation. 2. Educator Training Programs - Workshops to sensitize teachers about their ethical responsibilities and child rights. 3. Clearer Complaint Mechanisms - Ensuring students and parents have a safe and accessible way to report misconduct without fear of retaliation. 4. Legal Consequences for Violators - Strengthening policies to impose harsher penalties on educators who abuse their power. Conclusion The suspension of teachers in Sangareddy district is a stark reminder of educators' responsibility to shape young lives. Schools must be environments of encouragement, respect, and learning—not places where students are treated as laborers. The swift action taken by authorities sets a precedent, but continued vigilance is essential to ensure that all schools remain safe and nurturing spaces for children. Moving forward, a more substantial commitment from educational institutions, governing bodies, and communities will be crucial in upholding students' rights and maintaining the integrity of the education system. *for more details visit* https://youtu.be/qTxg10or3KM https://www.theenn.com/video-2c140bb3d.html