Two students, who were allegedly threatened of removal from a school in Baikampady for going to private dance class, have sought action against the school authorities.
In a meeting of students and public representatives – attended by district in-charge Minister B. Ramanath Rai – held on Saturday, Class 8 students Deepti S.M and Seema S. from Bertrand Russel School in Baikampady said School Correspondent Nisha Lakshman had threatened that they would be removed from the school if they continued to attend dance classes at Karavali Yuvaka Mandali.
“She scolded us for being with the group. She has even threatened to harm our careers by writing in the transfer certificate that our conduct was not good so that (other schools) deny us admission. We have complained to Child Helpline, Education Department officials and police. We want answers,” Deepti said.
Mr. Rai, who heard Ms. Deepti, said he will look into the issue. The School Correspondent Ms. Lakshman could not be reached as her mobile phone switched off. A website has quoted her denying the allegation and that she had advised the students in their interest.
The event, organised by the Education Resource Centre, provided students an opportunity to air their concerns. They raised questions ranging from poor infrastructure to universal education.
Arpita from a government school in Babukatte said her school campus was in a poor shape and it was difficult for students to hold any programmes. She was told by school authorities that repair works could be carried out only if the land on which the school is located was in the institute’s name.
Mufidha from Peace Public School in Kallapu said untreated sewage was entering class rooms from the toilet in their school.
Mohammed Moufeez from Konaje Padavu highlighted the absence of a playground in their school and expressed his discontent over political parties communalising minds of students.
Students from a government school in Babukatte complained about the quality of midday meals provided to them.
