Simon Krishna, a teacher from Taveuni Central Indian Primary School was banned from the classroom simply because he is a Christian.

The school is four teachers short on its staff but the management refused to accept the teacher posted by the Ministry of Education.

Mr. Krishna said he was appointed to teach in the school at the beginning of this year but had not been allowed in class since then.

He said all he did "is go to school in the morning, sign in the attendance register and go back home." He does the same thing each afternoon. He said he was clueless why he had been locked.

"All I have heard from here and there is that the management does not want me because I once was accused of being involved in an extra-marital affair and the other reason, I am hearing is that I am a Christian and that it is a" Hindu school," Mr Krishna said.

"I do not think my personal life affects my professional life in any way."

"I can teach well and I do not have a criminal record. What is happening now is they are doing a character assassination."

Chandrika Prasad, school head teacher, confirmed Mr Krishna was not being allowed in the classroom.

Mr Prasad said there was “some problem” between the Ministry of Education and the school management.

"I do not wish to comment on the matter. All I know there is some problem and I hope the matter is resolved," he said.

School manager, Micheal Krishna declined to comment.

He said the ministry was handling the case.

Education Ministry headquarters said it was not aware of the case but would investigate it.

Faxed questions to the Education Permanent Secretary remained answered as she was on a sick leave.

By Y.Hilado, ChToday Philippines
editor@christiantoday.com.ph