New Delhi: Students at the Sarojini Naidu Girls Higher Secondary School in Bhopal staged a significant protest on Wednesday, alleging mistreatment by the school administration and one of its employees. The students claimed they are being unfairly assigned tasks such as cleaning the school premises and mowing the lawn. They also reported severe punishments for minor infractions, including being forced to stand in the sun for extended periods if they are late to class, even by just five minutes.Sit-in protest and accusationsHundreds of girls gathered for a sit-in protest against the school management and Varsha Jha, an employee who was recently appointed. The students accused Jha of harsh treatment, which reportedly led to her issuing an apology. Despite this, the situation remains tense. Visuals from the protest depict students angrily demonstrating outside the school, with some stomping on a nameplate and others breaking windows. In another video, a group of students is seen shielding their faces from the harsh sun during the protest, while others are captured sweating profusely and chanting slogans against the schools management and Jha.Video surfaces on social mediaIn the video, students from Sarojini Naidu Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Bhopal are seen causing significant damage to school property. Their anger stems from severe disciplinary measures imposed by the school. The protests, characterized by violence, lasted for more than two hours.Students of Sarojini Naidu Govt Girls Higher Secondary School Bhopal, went on rampage, damaging property in school premises. They were angry with harsh measures in the name of discipline. Violent protests continued for over 2 hrs. @NewIndianXpress @TheMornStandard @santwana99 pic.twitter.com/d7c13y8D3H— Anuraag Singh (@anuraag_niebpl) September 4, 2024School administration denies allegationsThe school administration has denied the students claims, asserting that teachers do not administer the punishments described. Principal Malini Verma informed NDTV that an ex-soldier had been hired to maintain discipline and emphasized that senior Education Department officials would determine the next steps. Following the intensity of the protests, the Director of the Madhya Pradesh Education Department intervened and placed Ms. Jha on indefinite leave. The police were also called to manage the situation. Mayur Khandelwal, the Assistant Commissioner of Police for Habibganj, stated, We were informed of protests by girl students that could lead to a law-and-order situation. A team was sent to calm things down and persuade the girls to end the protest.Political row erupts over student mistreatmentThe controversy has ignited a political debate, with opposition Congress youth wing chief Mitendra Singh criticizing the ruling BJPs Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign in light of the incident. The allegations against the school administration and the treatment of students have prompted a broader discussion about student rights and the responsibilities of educational institutions.लीजिए भाजपा के एक और नारे की पोल खुली,विडंबना है कि इसका साक्षी भी मप्र ही बना!भोपाल सरोजिनी नायडू महिला विद्यालय में बेटी पढ़ाओं, बेटी बचाओं की जगह बेटियों से स्कूल की सफाई करवाओ अभियान चल रहा है। हालात यहां तक आ पहुंचे की छात्राओं को प्रदर्शन का सहारा लेना पड़ा। pic.twitter.com/RCRm6i76ga— Aashutosh Chouksey (Aashu) (@AASHU_NSUI) September 4, 2024Many of us come from far away: StudentStudents also expressed grievances about the schools timing, noting that classes end at 6 pm, which is challenging for those living far away. They mentioned that delays are sometimes inevitable, and being locked out of the school gates and punished for being late is unjust. One student shared with NDTV, If we are late to school, even by a minute, we are sometimes not allowed inside... the gates are locked and we are punished by being made to stand in the heat for two hours. Many of us come from far away... it isnt our fault if we are late sometimes.Another student criticized the new teacher for her disciplinary methods, stating, She scolds and punishes students who make mistakes... she doesnt even talk with respect. Many students complained but the principal did not listen.
