Education Department orders inquiry after girl claims she was asked to sweep classrooms and school yard in mother’s absence
BARAMULLA, AUGUST 20:
An allegation by a Class 6 student that she was made to clean classrooms and the school premises following her mother’s absence has prompted the Education Department to order an inquiry at Government Middle School Nowgam Tragpora in Baramulla district.
The student, whose name has been changed to Tahira to protect her identity, alleged that a teacher at the school asked her to sweep the classroom and school yard with a broom, citing the absence of her mother, who works as an Aaya at the institution.
The girl further alleged that she was warned against informing her family about the incident. She also claimed that she was not provided free textbooks and that her family had to purchase books from the market.
“I want to become a doctor. I want to study, but I am being made to do cleaning work. What can I do and how can I learn?” the student said.
Her mother, Neelofar, who said she has been working as an Aaya at the school for nearly four years, alleged that she fell ill around 15 days ago. She claimed that two teachers subsequently told her that she would be removed from her job because she did not have five children enrolled in the school.
Neelofar said she has four children, all of whom are enrolled in the same school. She alleged that after her absence, her daughter was asked to perform cleaning duties.
She also claimed that her younger daughter, a Class 2 student, had not been provided free textbooks. “How will children study and become doctors if they are not even provided books?” she asked.
The family alleged that all four children have remained at home for the past 15 days and claimed that no official from the school had contacted them regarding their absence.
The girl’s father, Javid Ahmad, said he had submitted a written complaint at the office of the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Baramulla, and handed it over to a clerk, but alleged that no action had been taken so far.
The matter has now reached higher authorities. The Joint Director of School Education, North Kashmir, said the concerned officials had been directed to visit the school and conduct a detailed inquiry into the allegations.
He said the inquiry report is expected to reach his office within two days. The officer added that appropriate action would be taken if the allegations were found to be true, particularly if a student was made to perform cleaning duties.
The family has appealed to the Lieutenant Governor’s Administration and senior Education Department authorities to ensure a fair and impartial investigation and take action against those found responsible.