UP govt denies closing 27K primary schools due to low turnout
After much hue and cry by the opposition leaders, Uttar Pradesh government on Monday denied the news of closure of over 27,000 primary schools in the state.
The administration has initiated a probe into allegations that some of the primary school headmasters and teachers had forced students to clean toilets and also collected money for supply of books.
A headmistress of Naugaon block has been suspended from her duty for demanding money from the students for books which were meant to be provided free of cost.
Using school children to clean toilets has triggered a public outcry in Tulang village under Tirtol block. Even the guardians of the students protested. Villagers led by ward member Mr Subash Mohanty raised the issue.
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Khetramohan, a leprosy patient and his cancer patient wife Satyabhama told district collector Mrs Yamini Sarangi how their son studying in Class VI was forced to clean toilets along with other children every day and he has now stopped going to school.
The collector directed the district education officer to conduct an inquiry and initiate action against errant teachers. Collection of money for supply of free books and for appearing in school examinations was also reported in many schools.
A video recording regarding the collection of money from the students by school headmaster of Gandharb Primary School for supply of book materials went viral on social media leading to suspension of headmistress Soudamni Parija.
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