Telangana Teacher Resigns Citing Humiliation After Instagram Reel Suspension

Bhukya Gauthami, a government school teacher in Telangana's Khammam district, has resigned from her post months after being suspended over allegations that she promoted a private school through Instagram reels.

Gauthami, who worked as an English school assistant at Mamillagudem High School, announced her decision in an emotional video on social media. She said she could no longer cope with the criticism, humiliation and pressure that followed the controversy.

The trouble began in January when education authorities suspended her for allegedly using social media to advertise admissions at a private school, while neglecting her duties at the government school. Responding to the allegations, Gauthami said the reels were recorded at her home and not during school hours. She also maintained that she had never neglected her responsibilities and had served as a teacher with dedication for nearly 12 years.

In her resignation announcement, she alleged that she faced continued humiliation and harassment from the District Education Officer (DEO) even after she was posted following her suspension. She claimed that when she approached authorities seeking reappointment, she was made to wait for hours, denied an appointment and later reprimanded.

The teacher said the workplace pressure, combined with social media trolling, took a significant emotional toll. She also shared her background, stating she came from a financially disadvantaged tribal family and entered the profession with the support of her father and husband. Her goal, she said, had always been to educate underprivileged children, and she had gone beyond her regular duties by conducting special English classes.

Gauthami has a significant presence on Instagram, with around 3.28 lakh followers and nearly 9,900 posts. Her resignation has drawn attention to the challenges teachers face in balancing social media activity with professional responsibilities, as well as to the processes of inquiry and treatment of staff by education departments.