New Delhi: The principal of the private school in Digwadih is accused of ordering 80 class 10 girls to remove their shirts after they celebrated “Pen Day” by writing messages on their shirts. The incident school in Dhanbad, Jharkhand has sparked outrage and prompted an official inquiry on Saturday. This alleged act has ignited widespread condemnation, with parents and local officials demanding accountability.
The incident became public on Friday after the girls, upon finishing their examinations, engaged in the customary celebration of “Pen Day,” marking the end of their exams. The celebration involved writing messages on each other’s shirts, a common practice amongst students. However, the principal reportedly took strong exception to this celebratory activity.
According to complaints lodged with the Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner (DC) Madhvi Mishra, the principal not only prohibited the celebration but also ordered the students to remove their shirts, despite their apologies. The girls were subsequently sent home wearing only their blazers, without any shirts underneath.
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Parents, deeply disturbed by the incident, lodged formal complaints with the DC, recounting the humiliation and distress experienced by their daughters. The DC, taking cognizance of the seriousness of the situation, immediately ordered a thorough investigation.
“Several guardians lodged complaints against the principal. We also talked to some of the victim girls. The administration has taken the matter seriously. A committee has been set up to investigate the matter,” Mishra said, news agency PTI reported.
A high-level committee has been constituted to probe the matter. The committee includes the sub-divisional magistrate, district education officer, district social welfare officer, and the sub-divisional police officer. Their investigation will examine all aspects of the incident, including the actions of the principal and the school’s response. The DC emphasised that action will be taken based on the findings of this investigative panel.
Adding to the pressure on the school administration, Jharia MLA Ragini Singh accompanied the parents to the DC’s office, lending support to their demands for justice. Singh strongly condemned the incident, describing it as “shameful and unfortunate.”
