An Indian school principal in Gujarat has been suspended after reportedly making 33 trips to Dubai over a two-year period, sparking allegations of misconduct and a broader government crackdown on unauthorized travel by educators.
Sanjay Patel, principal of Snehrashmi School No. 285 in Surat, was removed from his position last month. The school, run by the Surat Nagar Primary Education Committee, caters to students from economically weaker sections (EWS). However, Patel’s actions suggested priorities far removed from his educational duties.
According to reports from Indian media, Patel frequently cited illness and other vague reasons to secure leave, which he used to travel abroad. Investigations revealed that he obtained UAE residency without informing his employers and even launched a travel business in Dubai during these visits. The business has since shut down, but images circulating online reportedly show Patel in his Dubai office.
In India, government employees, including educators, must obtain official permission before traveling overseas. Patel repeatedly flouted this rule, making him a focal point of Gujarat’s efforts to address similar cases of misconduct in the education sector.
Speaking on the issue, Gujarat’s Minister of State for Education, Praful Pansheriya, highlighted the government’s stance on the matter. In a video statement, he condemned Patel’s actions as an abuse of authority. “This year alone, 60 teachers have been dismissed for unauthorized overseas travel,” Pansheriya said, adding that while most educators in the state are dedicated to their duties, the actions of a few risk tarnishing the profession’s reputation.
The state government has instructed district education officers to identify and act against educators engaging in similar misconduct. Patel’s suspension is seen as a message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
Efforts to obtain further details from the Surat Municipal School Board were unsuccessful. Emails sent to the board by Khaleej Times went unanswered, though a staff member confirmed Patel’s suspension but declined to provide additional information.
The case has drawn significant attention, with many questioning how Patel managed to evade scrutiny for so long despite his frequent absences and unexplained travels. Patel’s suspension underscores the Gujarat government’s commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability in public service.
