The stark reality of discrimination in schools has existed for ages. What has remained in hushed tones is now highlighted strongly. Reports have surfaced that students entitled to the Right to Education (RTE) scheme are being discriminated against by those in privileged positions.
This unfair practice is rampant in the diamond city of India.
Parents alleged that different WhatsApp groups were created for RTE students in some Surat schools.
Those admitted through regular channels had a separate WhatsApp group. The rest who secured admissions through the RTE scheme were ignored.
Students may not lose sleep over being left out in a WhatsApp group.
It has emerged that parents also raised other strong grievances, claiming that school authorities compelled RTE students to purchase expensive stationery and uniforms from the educationial institutions.
Not just that, they revealed these students were made to sit in separate classrooms.
The Surat District Education Officer (DEO), Bhagirathsinh Parmar, has however decided to take stringent action to curb these practices.
According to reports, he recently issued notices and imposed fines on seven schools in the city over claims of discriminatory practices.
Some of the parents reportedly shared their complaints on the Chief Minister Jan Samvad portal.
The schools identified in the complaints include LP Savani Academy, Rayan International School, Gyan Ganga Vidhyalay, Madhavbaag Vidhyabhavan, Ashadeep Vidhyalay, Broadway International School, and K7 International School, all located in Surat. Attempts to reach these institutions for comment were largely unsuccessful.
Parmar reportedly told certain media outlets that all seven institutions are well-known CBSE schools in the city. He explained that the academic year begins in April, whereas RTE admissions occur in June or July. Separate classes for RTE students were reportedly arranged to help them catch up with lessons already covered with regular students.
Regarding WhatsApp groups, he mentioned that each class receives a group at the start of the year, and students admitted later under RTE are added to a new group. Teachers use these groups to share progress reports and essential instructions with parents.
He further added that the DEO had penalised each of the seven schools with a fine of Rs 10,000 and issued warnings that such practices must not be repeated. Parmar reportedly stressed that strict action would follow if similar incidents occurred in the future.
Also Read: After Being In Ten Worst Performing States In School Education, Is Gujarat Taking The Right Step? https://www.vibesofindia.com/after-being-in-ten-worst-performing-states-in-school-education-is-gujarat-taking-the-right-step/
