Atishi orders enquiry into Delhi school students' harassment complaints

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has directed an inquiry following serious allegations of caste and religious discrimination at the government-run Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya in Nand Nagri, northeast Delhi. The allegations, which have raised concerns about student welfare, include claims that Muslim students were forced to say "Jai Shree Ram" and that children were segregated in class based on their caste. Additionally, two teachers were accused of provoking students to commit suicide and subjecting them to physical abuse.

In an official communication dated November 25, Atishi described the matter as “very serious” and instructed Ashok Kumar, Secretary of Education, to conduct an inquiry and submit a report within 15 days. Kumar was also tasked with ensuring that any such discrimination or provocation based on religion does not occur in any school.

The allegations were brought to light by Ashok Agarwal, a Delhi-based lawyer and education activist, who wrote to the chief minister on November 13, calling for a high-level inquiry committee to address the claims.

According to the letter, students expressed fears of persistent harassment, stating that two teachers had targeted Muslim students by forcing them to recite religious phrases, subjecting them to physical punishment, and inciting suicidal thoughts. The letter claimed that students who complained were threatened with academic failure and were subjected to further caste-based discrimination, including being made to sit at the back of the classroom while upper-caste students sat in front.

Further, the letter noted that very few teachers were present in the classroom during evening sessions, and those who were present allegedly abused students who questioned their absence. One student claimed that a teacher frequently injected political and religious commentary into lessons, undermining the educational experience and belittling students based on religion.

The letter stressed that an inquiry conducted by the school’s own staff would be biased due to one teacher’s influence in the department and teachers’ union. Agarwal urged the establishment of a high-level inquiry committee headed by the director of education to ensure fairness and impartiality.

The Ministry of Education and the Delhi government are now set to investigate the allegations to determine the extent of the issue and take appropriate action.