A 43-year-old teacher collapsed and died shortly after returning from Census duty in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on May 30. The incident has sparked demands for compensation and a thorough investigation from teachers' unions, who suspect heat stroke as the cause. Kishor Samudre, a teacher at Bhagirathibai Primary and Secondary School, returned home to Bhavsingpura around 1:30 pm after field duty in the Beed bypass area. Soon after drinking water, he complained of uneasiness and collapsed. He was immediately taken to the Government Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Postmortem Findings and Union Response
The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC) stated that the postmortem attributed the death to “myocardial infarction in an underlying coronary artery disease.” However, teachers' unions have flagged the impact of extreme heat during government duties. In a memorandum submitted on Monday, the action committee of different teachers' unions sought immediate financial relief and safeguards for employees deployed in field duties.
Demands for Compensation and Benefits
The action committee has demanded ₹50 lakh compensation and other benefits for the deceased teacher’s family. Chandrakant Chavan, district secretary of the Marathwada Shikshak Sangh, said, “Eligible family members should be given jobs in government or municipal services immediately on compassionate grounds. All government schemes, educational concessions, and insurance beneficiary assistance required for the rehabilitation of the family should be approved immediately.” The panel also demanded accountability and systemic changes, including a special mechanism for heatstroke prevention measures, health check-ups, insurance coverage, and safety for employees appointed in Census, election survey, and other government work.
Government Response
Responding to the demands, CSMC additional commissioner Kalpita Pimpale said a detailed report would be sent to the state government. “The demands raised by teachers’ unions and different approvals sought along with our official report would be sent to the government for necessary action,” she said, adding that formalities would be completed within two months. Samudre is survived by his wife, a 20-year-old daughter, and an 18-year-old son.
