UP minister writes to La Marts principal

LUCKNOW: UP law minister Brijesh Pathak has appealed to the principal of La Martiniere College, Carlyle McFarland, to revisit his decision of rusticating twelve Class 12 students and barring them from appearing in the pre-board examinations.

The college said the rusticated students had raised slogans against teachers and the principal during a celebration on November 24. The video of the incident was widely shared on social media. The college management also informed the parents of the students concerned about the action being taken by the college.

In a two-page letter to the principal, the minister reasoned that at their age, the students had a low maturity level, which

may have led them to raise slogans. He also asked the principal to investigate if any passouts had instigated the students.

“It is important to discipline students but it should be done in a way so that it does not leave a blot on their career,” read the letter.

Arguing on the students’ behalf, Pathak said that maybe the youngsters were too happy that it was their “last day in

khaki”.

“In universities, students are not required to wear uniforms. Hence, out of sheer excitement of not having to wear uniforms, coupled with immaturity, they may have raised slogans. And for this, it is too harsh on the part of the college to not give them character certificates after the board examinations,” the minister said.

The college has barred the students from attending classes or taking part in any college function. While the college has allowed the students to write the board examinations, it said no character certificates will be issued to them.

Meanwhile, parents of the rusticated students called the quantum of the punishment “too harsh”.

“This decision of not giving character certificates after board exams will ruin the career of all the students, as they will not get admission for higher studies in any institution,” said a parent.

The parents have also been asked to escort their children to and from the examination hall during the board examinations in 2018.

The school refused to take any responsibility for the boys’ security.