Chhattisgarh: The headmistress of a government school in Chhattisgarh has been suspended following allegations that she attempted to influence students toward Christianity. Lakshmi Devi Bhardwaj, who served as the headmistress of PM Shri Government Girls Primary School in Baloda, was placed under immediate suspension after an internal inquiry by the district education department, triggered by complaints from parents.
According to the suspension order issued by the District Education Officer (DEO) of Janjgir-Champa, several villagers and parents accused Bhardwaj of encouraging Christian practices among students. The complaints allege that she asked children to sing songs such as “God is Great” and “Hallelujah” during morning assemblies, instead of the national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana.” She also faces accusations of promoting disrespect toward Hindu beliefs and misusing school funds.
BIG UPDATE FROM CHHATTISGARH
Head of a government primary school suspended for converting students into Christianity and instilling Hindu-hate in them
Lakshmi Devi Bhardwaj, a crypto-convert, was headmistress of Government Primary School, Baloda, Jangir-Champa district
Last… pic.twitter.com/VziY4gnhox
— Rashtra Jyoti (@RashtraJyoti) May 10, 2026
She has also been accused of promoting anti-Hindu sentiments by allegedly criticising Hindu customs and deities. Parents claim that such actions were aimed at distancing young students from their own religious and cultural traditions.
The suspension order further states that an FIR (No. 261/2025) had already been registered against her last year at Baloda Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 126 and 135(3), citing concerns that her activities could disturb public peace. She was subsequently booked in the case and later released on bail.
The inquiry also revealed alleged financial irregularities. According to the DEO’s report, Bhardwaj is accused of not cooperating with the School Management Committee (SMC), attempting to secure approvals without proper verification of purchases, and misusing funds allocated under schemes such as Samagra Shiksha between 2021–22 and 2023–24. The allegations include generating fake bills and purchase orders in the names of relatives or acquaintances and personally withdrawing the funds.
A show-cause notice was issued to her, but officials found her response unsatisfactory. The issue gained further attention on 7 May 2026 during a public grievance redressal camp, where parents and villagers raised their concerns directly with the Collector. Acting on these complaints, the Collector ordered immediate action, resulting in Bhardwaj’s suspension under Rule 9 of the Chhattisgarh Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1966, citing gross misconduct and violation of the Conduct Rules, 1965.
During the suspension period, her headquarters have been designated as the office of the Block Education Officer in Baloda, and she will be entitled to a subsistence allowance in accordance with government regulations.
