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Sangeetha Rane (name changed) is two and a half years old and her parents have been forced to buy her judo and karate uniforms. Rane goes to J D Bharda School at Grant Road and the school principal Geeta Unnithan has made it compulsory for everyone to buy these uniforms. Even though judo and karate are not being taught in the school.
“The principal forced us to buy them for Rs 300 or our children would have been barred from the school,” said Rane’s parent.
It doesn’t stop here. Shubham Kumar’s (name changed) parents said they had to buy books costing Rs 2,500 from the school, whereas the market price was around Rs 900. He further added, “Till last year, the principal sold meals served under the mid-day meal scheme. It was stopped after we protested. Even Boost, which the company gives to schools free of cost, is sold by the school for Rs 5.”
Teachers too are feeling harassed. “I am 50 but I was told to wear jeans brought from the school for sports day. When we complained, we were told it was for our comfort. How can I be comfortable when I have not worn jeans all my life?” asked Sushmita Vaidyanathan (name changed).
Another class IV teacher, Laxmi Yadav, said, “I was not well and couldn’t attend school for a few days. I was shocked when the principal called and threatened to send police to my home if I did not send the corrected papers and the amount collected by the students for books to the school.”
However, Unnithan denied everything. She said, “I threatened the teacher to get exam answer papers and not for money.” Sohrab Vazifdar, secretary of J D Bharda said, “I will look into the issue. The principal has been forcing students to buy books and not informing us; she cannot threaten any teacher of police action.”
Arundhati Chauhan, PTA president, when told about what had been happening, said, “We need a mass signature campaign against her to send to the education department. We can also write to the charity commissioner to check the school’s accounts. A High Court order says that no parent should be forced to buy books or uniform. She cannot force anyone to buy compulsory books from the school.”
State Education Minister Vasant Purke said, “I will take strict action on the principal after enquiry if parents and teachers will come to me with their complaints.”
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