Students protest poor food quality, abuse at Telangana Gurukul school
Hyderabad: Students from the Gurukul school in Palmakula, Rangareddy district, took to the streets to protest against the appalling living conditions and abuse they have been subject to. They appealed to the Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to intervene on a priority basis and address the severe issues plaguing their school.
The protest erupted as students voiced their anguish over the deplorable quality of food served to them, claiming that they were fed rice infested with insects, while the teachers enjoyed separate, superior meals. When the students raised their concerns, they were callously told to bring food from their homes. This dismissive response only deepened their frustration, on the eve of National Nutrition Day.
The students also revealed a lack of clean drinking water in the premises. To make matters more horrific, when they complained the staff used abusive language against them. The teachers allegedly threatened to fail the students in their upcoming 10th exams if they continued to raise these issues, instilling fear instead of providing the support they desperately needed.
The students said that they were dealt brutal corporal punishment. One student recounted being beaten black and blue by a pipe.
The students accused teachers of hurling caste-based insults. When they took these issues to the district in-charge, Sujata, they were mocked. When they complained about the lack of clean drinking water, they were told of budget delays due to a change in government.
The students recounted how teachers retaliated against them after they informed visiting officials about the poor quality of food. Teachers reportedly threatened the students, making it clear that their complaints would only result in further harassment.
Faced with ongoing abuse and a complete lack of support, the students organised a dharna, demanding that the Chief Minister personally visit their school to witness the conditions firsthand and take immediate action.