The Karnataka government has ordered a probe into the running of a private school in north Bangalore which is allegedly discriminating against the children from weaker sections admitted under the Right to Education Act.
On Wednesday, it was reported that the authorities of Oxford School regularly segregate and humiliate such children.Four children had tufts of their hair chopped off so they could be easily recognisable. Parents alleged they are being made to stand apart during the morning assembly and their lunch boxes are kept separately. The school has even asked other children not to speak with the students and boycotted them from playing with others.
Thulasi Bai, one of the mothers, went to the school, but did not receive any satisfactory reply. “The school authorities said the other children might have cut off my child’s hair during play,” said another parent, Nayaz Pasha.
The school is part of the Karnataka Unaided School Managements’ Association, which is vehemently against the RTE Act. It is currently closed as part of the organisation’s week-long protest.
On Wednesday, education minister Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri ordered the inquiry and asked his officials to take strict action. A team led by the deputy director of public instructions recorded the statements of parents, children, teachers and the secretary of the school management.
{{/usCountry}}On Wednesday, education minister Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri ordered the inquiry and asked his officials to take strict action. A team led by the deputy director of public instructions recorded the statements of parents, children, teachers and the secretary of the school management.
{{/usCountry}}“If the allegations are correct, we will take action,” said Kumar G. Nayak, principal secretary, department of education.
Demanding action against the school and strict implement of RTE in city schools, the Dalith Sangharsha Samiti and other organisations staged a protest in several parts of Bangalore. “There are more such schools where poor students are being harassed by the school managements,” said KV Balakrishna, president of Dr BR Ambedkar Dalith Sangharshsa Samiti.
Former minister and activist BT Lalitha Naik has said the police should file a criminal case against the school management.
The school management was not available for comments.