A teacher in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, was suspended for not regularly using WhatsApp on his mobile phone during duty. The District School Education Officer (DEO) issued the suspension to L. Ramesh from B.S.R.K.M.C.H School for insubordination, carelessness, and negligence of duties.
Ramesh was suspended for not using WhatsApp, exiting the school group chat, and not following timely instructions from higher authorities since April 22 of this year. The DEO stated that it was difficult to pass instructions to him without WhatsApp communication.
Ramesh claimed his doctor advised against using mobile phones due to an eye problem but did not provide any medical reports. The suspension orders cited gross negligence, carelessness, and disobedience to higher authority instructions as reasons for the suspension.
Based on the school headmaster’s report, Ramesh was found guilty under the Andhra Pradesh Civil Services (CCA) Rules 1991. The DEO suspended him for insubordination.