Hyderabad: Parents have questioned a proposal to close Azaan International School, where two students were reported raped, as it would affect about 1,700 other students. These parents said the future of the students would be at stake as they would not be able to get seats in other schools in the middle of the academic year.
Some students may also face adjustment problems, parents said. They requested Governor E.S.L. Narsimhan to direct officials to constitute a new body to run the school under the provisions of Section 24.3 of the AP Education Act 1982.
In September, an LKG student and another girl in Class 3 were allegedly raped at the school. The supervisor was arrested for the first incident. In another incident at St. Adams High School, Rajendranagar, a Class 2 student was reportedly sodomised by the principal.
In August, two students died at the New Century School in Kukatpally when a stage collapsed. The school was closed and students admitted in other schools.
Parents said the recent incidents had created fear in their minds about the safety and security of their children. They demanded that the system be revamped and the safety of students be given utmost importance.
Mr Venkat Sainath, joint secretary, Hyderabad Schools Parents’ Association, said, “Closure of schools is a matter of concern and not advisable because a number of students are affected.”
Students may not be able to get seats in schools of their choice. The atmosphere in the new school would be different and the students may find it difficult to adjust, he said.
He requested the Governor to take the initiative and implement measures to eradicate child abuse at school and improve student security.
A parent from Azaan School said, “it would be really difficult for us to find another school for our child in the middle of the academic yearm and pay the fees again. The school education department should take a wise decision instead of closing it.”
Mr T. Vijay Kumar, Commissioner and Director of School Education, said, “We are awaiting a detailed report from the district education officer regarding these incidents.”
Once we receive the report, we will take action accordingly,” he added.
