In a strong disciplinary action aimed at safeguarding institutional ethics, the Higher Education Department of Himachal Pradesh has ordered the dismissal of three Assistant Professors after separate departmental inquiries substantiated allegations of sexual harassment and serious misconduct.
The orders, issued on April 16, 2026 by Secretary (Education) Rakesh Kanwar, stated that the conduct of the officials reflected “moral turpitude” and was entirely inconsistent with the standards expected from educators.
In the case of Dr. Virender Sharma (Mathematics), formerly posted at Rajiv Gandhi Government Degree College, Chaura Maidan and later at Tissa, the inquiry confirmed allegations of sexually inappropriate behavior towards a B.Sc. student in 2021, including sending objectionable messages and attempting physical contact at his residence. The department termed the act a serious breach of the trust placed in teachers.
Pawan Kumar (Dance-Kathak), associated with JLN Government College of Fine Arts, Loharab, was found guilty of misusing his position by calling students to his residence at odd hours and attempting misconduct in January 2024. He was also held responsible for unauthorized conduct involving a student performance at the Governor’s House.
Dr. Anil Kumar (Chemistry), posted at Sidharth Government College, Nadaun, was dismissed after an inquiry established repeated inappropriate physical contact with a first-year student during a practical class in November 2024. The order noted that such behavior undermines institutional discipline.
The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission concurred with the disciplinary action in all three cases. The government stated that retaining such individuals would damage public trust in the education system, and the dismissal will generally bar them from future government employment.
VIRENDER PAWAN ANIL-KUMAR-AP-CHEMISTRY
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
