Lakshika Sahu, Raipur. Class 10 students of Prayas Residential School, Saddu in the capital, took to the streets today to surround the Assembly, demanding solution to their problems. Everyone made serious allegations of intimidation and indecent behavior against the administrative officer Manjula Tiwari and Principal Pramila Shukla of Raipur’s Prayas Residential School.
Students studying in Prayas Vidyalaya told that Chaukhabh Institute is run for the preparation of competitive examinations. The children had taken admission in Prayas Vidyalaya for the preparation of JEE, but the students are neither provided books, nor proper study material for the preparation of the exam. Due to which the number of students qualifying JEE through efforts has reduced in the last few years.
Projectors for smart classes in the school have been installed just for show. Most of these don’t work. 12 bathrooms and toilets have been constructed in the hostel for 350 students but only three of them are usable. There are many problems related to broken taps, sewage system, water dripping in rain, broken doors and lights. About which students have complained in dozens of applications. Doctors have also been provided in the hostel who do not check the health properly and send away paracetamol for every problem. Children said that if a student’s health becomes serious, it is difficult to get proper treatment at such a time.
The students also alleged that the officials who come for inspection two-three times a year are sent away after being given tea, due to which the condition of the school and hostel itself does not reach the officials.
There is no solution when I apply, I get threats
The students accused the school management officials that when they approach with their problems, they are asked to complain in writing. When complaints are made in writing then those applications are set aside. Regarding this, the students of Prayas have also surrounded the principal office. But if complaints are made, the officials threaten to transfer the children.
Students asked questions only to the Assistant Commissioner who came to take the memorandum
Among the officers who came to collect the demand and complaint letters written by the students, Assistant Commissioner Vijay Singh Kanwar came under the scanner of students. Actually, Vijay Singh Kanwar was also among the officers who inspected, to whom the students raised questions that after knowing our problem, instead of meeting us, you just go away after having tea with the officers and do not even try to meet us. The children asked how they were able to know the condition of the hostel and school without taking feedback from us. On this, the officer started asking the children to come for inspection after the holidays and started assuring the children that all their problems would be solved.
The students also submitted a memorandum to the Secretary of the Tribal Development Department regarding their problems and demands. In the memorandum, the students placed demands on these subjects-
The administrative officer and principal of the school should be removed immediately. The re-tender of Choukhabh Institute running in the school should be stopped. The system of the school should be immediately rectified. An experienced doctor should be appointed immediately in the school. Labs, library and other study materials should be provided at the right time as per requirement. If available, the fired maths teacher should be brought back immediately.
Investigation will be done by forming a joint committee
The Assistant Commissioner of the Tribal Development Department, who came to collect the memorandum of the students of Prayas Residential School, said that a committee is being formed for investigation. By issuing an order today, an investigation team will be formed, which will include Class One officers. On the basis of investigation, immediate action will be taken on the complaints of children.
