Odisha Panchayat Elections: Primary School Teacher Suspended for Violation of MCC in Balangir

Balangir: A primary school teacher in Odisha’s Balangir district has been suspended for allegedly violating the model code of conduct which has been enforced for the ensuing panchayat elections in the State.

Taranisen Padhan, a teacher of Lukapada Primary School in Puintala Block, was placed under suspension for allegedly taking part in poll campaigning.

Balangir Collector Chanchal Rana has recommended the District Education Officer (DEO) to place the teacher under suspension for allegedly taking part in the election campaign and initiate disciplinary proceedings against him as deemed proper.

“The inquiry report by Bolangir Sub-Collector revealed the Padhan, has violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the PRIs Elections-2022. The report also mentioned that Padhan was campaigning in the election for his wife Lipika Padhan, who is contesting for Zilla Parishad Zone No. 17 in Puintala Block during the enforcement of MCC. Padhan, being a government servant should have refrained from election campaigning,” a letter issued by the District Collector to the DEO reads.

In another development, the Collector also directed the Puintala Block Development Officer to lodge an FIR at Puintala police station against Bilesarda GP Sarpanch candidate Susanta Chatria and others involved in the alleged auction of the Sarpanch post, according to reports.