Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Uttarakhand Education Director Snatches Reporter's Phone Amidst Protest
A person in charge of schools in Uttarakhand, named Mr. Naudiyal, got upset when some parents came to his office.
They were worried because their children finished a special training and wanted to know if they could get hired as teachers.
A woman who reports the news was also there filming what was happening.
Mr. Naudiyal took her phone, and they had a brief struggle as she tried to keep it and identify herself as a reporter.
He reportedly said it didn't matter where she was from.
People were angry about his behavior after a video of the event was shared online.
The education minister has asked for a full report about what happened.
Uttarakhand's Director of Primary Education, Ajay Kumar Naudiyal, snatched a phone from a female reporter during an incident at his office.
The confrontation occurred while parents of D.El.Ed trainees were protesting about the primary teacher recruitment process.
Video footage shows a scuffle as the reporter tried to hold onto her phone, repeatedly stating she was from the press.
The incident has drawn widespread criticism online, with users demanding action against the director's conduct.
The matter has reached the state's Education Minister, who has sought a detailed report.
- Who
- Ajay Kumar Naudiyal, Director of Primary Education, Uttarakhand, and a female reporter (Sima Rawat)
- What
- A confrontation where the Director snatched the reporter's phone, leading to a scuffle, amidst a protest by parents of D.El.Ed trainees regarding teacher recruitment.
- When
- November 6, 2025
- Where
- Government office in Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Why
- Parents of D.El.Ed trainees were protesting to seek clarification and inclusion in the primary teacher recruitment; the director's actions were in response to video recording and perceived disruption by the protesting parents and trainees.
Journalist's Account
Director's Statement
The Altercation
Journalist's Account
The woman journalist, Sima Rawat, stated that Director Ajay Kumar Naudiyal snatched her phone, threw it on the ground, and there was a scuffle with her.
Director's Statement
Naudiyal stated that around 250-300 parents and trainees entered his office without notice, disrupted the environment, started making videos despite being asked not to, and pressured staff to stop recruitment.
The Journalist's Identity
Journalist's Account
The woman journalist repeatedly identified herself as press ('Hum press se hain').
Director's Statement
Naudiyal's response was dismissive, stating 'Kahi se bhi ho' (From wherever you are), implying they were disrupting the office.
- Location
- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Official Involved
- Ajay Kumar Naudiyal, Director of Primary Education, Uttarakhand
- Date of Incident
- November 6, 2025
- Issue Leading to Protest
- Primary teacher recruitment process and inclusion of D.El.Ed trainees
- Number of Posts Announced
- 1,649
- Journalist Involved
- Sima Rawat, Managing Director of a news portal