Authorities of a Kolkata girls’ school allegedly levelled allegations of lesbianism against 10 of its students after which irate guardians staged a noisy protest on Monday.
Responding to the developments in school, West Bengal’s education minister Partha Chatterjee stated that ‘lesbianism’ will not be tolerated in schools as it is against the Bengali culture and added that he would not inculcate the idea of homosexuality in schools.
According to a report in the Quint, the state education minister said, “If it’s a personal matter (lesbianism), it should be taken up outside of school. You can’t inculcate your personal ideas in the school. It can influence others. Young teenagers should not explore sexuality among themselves. That is not the culture of Bengal.”
The report further quotes him saying: “It is the duty of the school authorities to take appropriate action if (the girls) are found guilty.”
Also Read: Kolkata school forces 10 girls to confess lesbianism in writing
Earlier this week, the protesting guardians had accused the management of Kamala Girls School in south Kolkata of having forcibly obtained in writing admission of indulging in lesbianism from their wards. The guardians reportedly stormed the room of the acting headmistress and engaged in a verbal duel with her.
“Some students had complained against 10 students of indulging in such behaviour. We called those students and they admitted it. Considering the sensitive nature of the issue, I asked them to admit it in writing. I have got written admissions from all 10 students,” said the acting headmistress.
“Today we called the guardians to apprise them of the issue. Our aim was to discuss the matter with them so that we can bring these girls on the right course through efforts both at home and in school,” she said.
The guardians, however, rubbished the allegations.
(With agency inputs)