With schools closed due to Covid-19, teachers in India are being recruited to spy on people drinking alcohol
- Educators in Bihar are threatening street protests over a government order that they inform on people drinking or brewing alcohol, illegal in the state since 2016
- Prohibition has driven drinkers underground and bootleg booze often kills or blinds people. But teachers say they should not have to do the job of the police
With schools in the state closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, teachers have been asked to take on a variety of tasks outside their normal duties – including helping to run vaccination centres and checking that the public are following coronavirus protocols.
But the latest requirement that they snoop on people around them and act as informers if they see anyone either drinking or brewing alcohol appear to many to be a step too far.
Alcohol consumption has been illegal in Bihar since 2016, though it continues under the radar, much of it illicitly brewed hooch that contains so much methanol it is poisonous.
“Principals, teachers, school committee members and all persons associated with schools should identify liquor consumers and suppliers of liquor and should inform the excise department on the toll-free numbers provided,” said the recent order from the education ministry.
Teachers say they should not be asked to do the job of the police and have vowed a statewide protest if the order is not withdrawn.