The recent incident of several school students participating in a political rally has sparked a controversy. Contravening the directives of the Department of School Education and Literacy, which calls for a complete restriction on involving the government school students in political rallies or any such other events, has put a Ranchi based minority school in the soup.
A communiqué issued by the then department secretary some 1.5 years ago from now suggested that no Government school student would be allowed to participate in the political rallies, events merely for the sake of increasing the numbers of participants at a particular programme. Even the Government aided schools receiving the regular grants have to deter to the norms.
Even so, despite proper guidelines, on March 2, quite a number of students studying at Ursuline Convent – Ranchi had participated in the rally titled ‘Parivartan Ulgulan Rally’ organised by Indian National Congress (INC) at Morhabadi Ground. The minority institution is affiliated to State Board — Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) and gets Government grants.
“On invitation, the school students participated in the rally. Unnecessary hype is being given to the issue. There was no pressure of any institute, a particular person or an organisation. Majority of students, who participated in the rally are studying in intermediate section and they are mature enough to understand things,” said Principal – Ursuline Convent – Ranchi, Sister Mary Grace clarifying her stand on the matter.
Meanwhile, Principal Secretary – Department of School Education and Literacy – AP Singh, JAC Secretary – Mahip Kumar Singh and Chairperson, Jharkhand State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (JSCPCR) – Arti Kujur said that they are yet to analyse the facts, before taking any action.
“There are several technical points associated with the case. A complaint has come, but evidence must be presented before JAC to logically prove the contempt. At times, the respective district administration invites the school students and they voluntarily participate. Also, neither the department nor the examination conducting body is directly responsible to take any action regarding such cases,” said Principal Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy-AP Singh.
JAC Secretary – Maheep Kumar Singh said that the issue is yet to come into his knowledge. “I am not aware about this matter. Only the district administration has the power to take action. Two things need to be considered here. Students have gone on their wish or have been specifically told to attend the event,” he added.
Even the nodal child rights protection agency head stated that only after going through the legal aspects and collecting the details from the school management, action will be taken against the defaulters.
“Due to the holidays, the matter is yet to be put before the panelists and JSCPCR members. On March 5, a report will be prepared on this,” said JSCPCR Chairperson, Arti Kujur.
On the other hand, the spokespersons of Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee (JPCC) denied commenting on the issue, when contacted.