DPI demand report on prostration incident
text_fields
Thrissur: The Director of Public Instruction (DPI) has sought an explanation from the District Education Officer in an incident involving forced prostration by girls in a High School under Sanjeevani management in Cherpu.
However, the school management told the media that 'Guru puja' takes place in the school every year. The school manager also informed that the only thing new in this year was the circular of the DPI to organise Gurupuja.
DPI K V MohanKumar issued the order by giving consent to conduct a program 'Guruvandhanam' in government schools. The order was passed on the basis of a letter by Ananthapuri Foundation Secretary.
However, DPI reacted that giving consent to hold Gurupuja does not mean they can hold prostration at feet. He also said that he has sought a report from the Thrissur DEO regarding the prostration incident in the Cherpu school.
At the same time, National Women League General Secretary Advocate Noorbina Rasheed filed a complaint with the Child Rights Commission demanding action against those who forced the students for prostration. Compelling the students to perform any rituals related to one particular religion or caste is a violation of law and human rights.
Besides academics that are part of the curriculum, imposing rituals and practices on children is child abuse along with a breach of fundamental rights, alleged Women League.
Meanwhile, state Minorities Commission also ordered an enquiry into the incident of 'guru pada puja' at CNN Girls School Cherp. The Commission filed a case suo motu and asked District Police Chief, Thrissur, Regional Deputy Director of Education for an urgent report. Commission Chairman PK Haneefa said that on receipt of the report, appropriate action would be taken.
In a press release, the Commission also clarified that the suo motu case was filed in light of press reports that in the school with followers of different religions studying in it, students were forced to perform the rite of one specific religion of prostration before the feet of teachers .