The Patna district administration has launched a formal investigation following the emergence of a disturbing video on social media. The footage shows students from a government school in Alawalpur village making serious allegations of caste-based discrimination and segregation within the school premises.
Allegations of Segregation and Mistreatment
In the now-viral video, students claim they were systematically separated from their peers belonging to so-called upper castes. One student explicitly states, "They ask the other students, ‘Why do you sit with them?’. They seat us separately." The allegations go beyond mere seating arrangements. The students also report being prevented from mingling freely and, at times, being denied food. The video further claims that if upper-caste students were found sitting next to students from marginalized communities, they were promptly moved away by the authorities.
Broader Complaints and Official Response
Beyond the caste discrimination charges, the students and their families raised several other issues pointing to administrative neglect. These complaints include poor teacher attendance, irregular conduct of classes, and the provision of low-quality food under the midday meal scheme. There were also allegations of students being compelled to perform manual labour on the school grounds.
When confronted with these allegations, a teacher from the school refuted the claims, suggesting the children had been "misguided." The teacher argued, "No discrimination has ever happened with our children. My school has been turned into a political arena by some people."
Probe Ordered by District Magistrate
Taking cognizance of the serious nature of the allegations, the district administration has stepped in. Patna District Magistrate Thiyagarajan S.M. confirmed to the media that an inquiry has been officially ordered. The District Education Officer (DEO) has been directed to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and submit a detailed report. "The DEO (district education officer) has been directed to inquire and submit a report on the incident," the District Magistrate stated. However, attempts to get an immediate comment from the DEO's office on the ongoing probe were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
This incident has sparked outrage and brought the focus back on the deep-rooted issue of caste-based discrimination in educational institutions, which are meant to be spaces of equality and learning. The outcome of the official inquiry is now eagerly awaited.
