Dalit students segregated at PM’s telecast: Inquiry ordered, headmaster transferred

SHIMLA: A day after Kullu deputy commissioner ordered a magisterial probe taking cognizance of reports of Dalit students being made to sit separately in ‘a place meant for horses’ during PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Pariksha par Charcha’ on February 17, the headmaster was transferred on Monday.

As per reports, the school in Kullu’s Chestha had made arrangements for students to watch Modi’s programme, which was telecast across the country, at the residence of the school management committee’s president.

A handwritten anonymous complaint, written on a notebook by students, was in circulation on social media, in which students alleged that a teacher forced them to sit at a place outside the room used for keeping horses. In their complaint, they also claimed that they faced ‘caste discrimination’ during midday meals in the school.

Kullu deputy commissioner Yunus took note of the complaint on Sunday and ordered a magisterial inquiry and a panel headed by Kullu SDM, deputy director (higher education), deputy director (elementary education), district project officer, ICDS, and SHO. Yunus said since the school is located in the interiors of the district, the team was likely to return to district headquarters on Tuesday. “I will get the report on Tuesday and strict action will be taken on the basis of its findings,” he said.

“Disciplinary action has already been initiated against the headmaster and if required, criminal liability will be fixed against him,” he added. The headmaster has also reportedly tendered an apology and said such incidents will not be repeated.

CM Jai Ram Thakur, meanwhile, has termed the incident as unfortunate.