A school student from Pambattipatti near Manapparai attempted suicide allegedly owing to pressure mounted by the Headmaster of Government Adi Dravidar Welfare Higher Secondary School to pay a fee of Rs.800.
According to sources, the school authorities had reportedly demanded that all class XII students pay the fee towards “computer maintenance.” One of the girls, citing that her father, a daily wage labourer, did not have money, apparently sought time to pay, for which she was allegedly reprimanded by the Headmaster. Moreover, as punishment, she was asked to stand outside when she went to school on Monday.
Upset over this, the girl had reportedly consumed rat poison and fainted. Teachers and students rushed her to the Primary Health Centre and then to the Government Hospital at Manapparai, where she is recovering.
The girl’s father told The Hindu that she had taken the extreme step as she was humiliated by the Headmaster in front of other students. She had no other grouse against the teachers. Though he had promised her to pay Rs.800, he could not do so.
Meanwhile, a team of senior officials led by H. Elangovan, District Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Officer, visited the school and conducted an inquiry. Following the inquiry, Mr. Elangovan said it was learnt that the Headmaster had asked the students to pay Rs.200 towards computer maintenance and not Rs. 800 as claimed by the student.
Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline can be contacted at 044-24640050 and the State helpline at 104.
