The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has taken the drastic step of withdrawing affiliation from the prestigious Neerja Modi School in Jaipur. This decision, announced on December 30, mandates that students currently in Class 9 and Class 11 be shifted to other CBSE-affiliated schools at the conclusion of the ongoing academic session.
CBSE's Plan for a Smooth Student Transition
In response to the order, the CBSE's regional office in Ajmer stated on Wednesday that it has initiated the process of identifying nearby schools to accommodate the displaced students. A senior official from the Ajmer office assured that the board will personally oversee the admission process to ensure a seamless transition.
"All students will be shifted to nearby schools, and the board will take care of the admission process," the official said. "We will make sure that the transition is smooth for students and according to the subjects they are studying, so that they do not face any problem." The official explained that the process involves assessing seat availability in institutions in the vicinity and shifting students accordingly.
Parental Grief and Demands for Justice
The CBSE's action comes in the wake of the tragic death of Amaira Kumar, a Class 4 student who fell from the school's fourth-floor parapet. While the parents of the deceased child, Vijay Meena and Shivani, welcomed the board's decision, they expressed only partial satisfaction.
Speaking to the media in Kota on Wednesday, the grieving parents pointed to the "inaction" of the Rajasthan state government against the school. They demanded that the affiliation for the school's upper primary classes (1-8) also be withdrawn immediately. Furthermore, they called for a case of abetment of suicide to be filed against the school principal, Indu Dubey, and other responsible teachers.
"With a tragedy as big as this, the state govt itself should have initiated action against the school," Meena stated.
School's Reaction and Pending Decision for Junior Classes
School principal Indu Dubey termed the CBSE's decision as "too harsh" and "very unfortunate." She expressed particular concern for students in grades 9 to 12, stating they are at a crucial juncture in their academic careers. "We are fully committed to academic interests of our students and will ensure they are protected as per guidelines," Dubey said, adding that the school's sole priority remains its students.
The CBSE's December 30 order has left the decision regarding the continuation of classes 1 to 8 to the Rajasthan state government. The board stated that the state's director of secondary education "may decide on the status of recognition of the school."
Krishna Kunal, Secretary of the state's Department of School Education, provided an update, saying, "The director of secondary education has already issued notices to the school and a meeting is set for Jan 6 where the school has been asked to present its stance. After hearing out the school, legitimate action will be taken."
The Sanyukt Abhibhavak Sangh, a city-based parents' representative body, hailed the CBSE order as a strong warning to private schools that compromise on child safety. The incident has sparked a widespread debate on accountability and safety protocols in educational institutions across the country.
