To go on hunger strike is nothing new for Yadhu Krishnan and Sandhya.
The 14-year-olds had shot to fame after they went on a fast before the District Education Office in Kothamangalam last year demanding appointment of teachers on permanent basis at the Government High School in the tribal hamlet of Mamalakandam. A visibly shaken government had then appointed two full-time teachers at the school.
But, Yadhu and Sandhya had nothing much to rejoice on Monday when schools across the district celebrated the first day of the new academic year by holding ‘Praveshanotsavams’. The two teachers were transferred from the school, leaving parents and students a worried lot.
“The two teachers were relieved on Monday. We have no idea as to how we will conduct classes for Classes VIII, IX, and X,” said Joseph K.J, headmaster of the upper primary section.
The school is the only hope for children of tribal people living in Mamalakandam. “We are in the midst of yet another crisis. As many as nine students from here had passed the SSLC examination last year with flying colours. How is the upliftment of the marginalised possible when there is nobody to teach Adivasi children, who have to walk up to six kilometres daily to reach the school,” asked Jayakumar M.N, president of the parent teachers association.
The school requires at least five full-time teachers and a headmaster, besides clerical staff for the high school section. Parents are seeking help from well-wishers for setting up new classrooms, space and facilities for cooking mid-day meals, compound wall, and laboratories.
Moreover, student police cadets are also not available, and the nearest police station at Kuttampuzha is located nearly 20 km away.
Kothamangalam MLA Antony John said: “I have asked the school authorities and the PTA to request the two teachers who have received relieving orders to stay for one-and-a-half months more till an alternative arrangement is made.” But, officials maintained that the teachers had been relieved from duty.
The govt. school at Mamalakandam requires at least five full-time teachers for high school section
