Gujarat government has appointed an administrator for a prominent Maninagar school to ensure the safety and academic stability of over 10,000 students. (File)
Amid A sense of “fear” and “uncertainty” among staff and parents at a private school in Maninagar that was on Monday taken over by the state government after a Class X student allegedly stabbed his classmate to death over three months ago, the school management said on Tuesday that it would challenge the decision in the Gujarat High Court.
Meanwhile, the Ahmedabad City District Education Officer (DEO) has assured parents, staff and students that the administrative takeover would not impact education and any decision taken will be “in the interest of the school.”
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On the basis of a report submitted by an inquiry committee after the fatal stabbing incident, citing “interests of more than 10,000 students currently studying in the school”, the state government on Monday appointed the Ahmedabad DEO as the administrator of the three schools run within the same premises — primary section and two different secondary sections affiliated to the ICSE Board for Classes I till XII and the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) approved for classes XI and XII (Science stream).
The school principal told The Indian Express on Tuesday, “We are going to file an appeal for a stay against the decision of the state government. We have already moved the High Court seeking (to know) what powers the DEO has over an ICSE affiliated school so the fresh plea will be added to this ongoing case for which the next hearing is scheduled on December 18.”
Several students, their parents and school staff expressed a sense of “fear” and “uncertainty” looming over their future. The principal said that since August, over 75 students – mostly in junior classes – and some staff members have shifted from the school.
While the administration of the schools operating within the campus has been taken over by the state government on the condition that no new admission shall be given to any student in this school, the school is already in the middle of the admission process. “We had already started applications for the pre-primary admissions. This is another concern which will be taken up,” the principal added.
“Everyone on the school campus is gripped by fear as to what will happen next. The moment something comes in the media, this fear gets aggravated. So much so that parents even reach the school campus to take their wards home. After the administrative control news was out, two parents reached the school requesting to take their wards home, saying that they are unwell,” a staff member told The Indian Express.
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After large-scale protests by parents erupted on the campus a day after the alleged stabbing incident in August, the school was shut by the District Education Officer (DEO). In phases, the school reopened all the classes, starting October 10.
The DEO Ahmedabad (city) Rohit Chaudhary also said that the action – recommended in his report submitted to the state government on October 18 – was based on several “irregularities” flagged by the committee.
One of the parents said that students who are “already under the pressure of ongoing exams” are anxious too.
“While the Unit two exams are going on and senior students are preparing for their pre-boards and boards and competitive exams, the other side amid the prevailing uncertainty they are worried and keep asking what will happen to their school,” a parent said.
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While the school has a strength of 10276 students there are a total of over 500 staff-350-400 teaching and other non teaching and supporting staff.
Classes, exams will continue as usual: DEO
The DEO Ahmedabad (city) Rohit Chaudhary, in a letter addressed to the students, teachers and staff along with parents of the school, assured that “no decision has been taken which is not in the interests of the children and will not be taken in the future too.”
“I completely understand that due to the prevailing circumstances related to the administration and management of the school for the last few days, there has been anxiety, fear and uncertainty especially in the minds of the parents. I give a clear and firm assurance to the parents and assure everyone that the quality of education, discipline, curriculum and academic excellence of the children in the school will not be affected in any way. The classes, teaching process, examinations and other academic activities will continue as usual,” the DEO said.
To the students, he pointed out that the “situation is administrative, not academic. Your life, your teachers, friends and classmates are all safe. You just have to be brave and continue studying.”
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To teachers and staff, he added, “Your role is extremely important during this time. Your patience, honesty and integrity will provide safety and stability to the children. I urge you all to take special care that children do not experience any kind of fear or anxiety. Play your part with determination and confidence.
Help keep the educational environment of the school positive and healthy. Every step taken by the Education Department is only for the benefit of the children, for the betterment of the school system. This step is not to harm the school but to make the school system more stable, responsible and reliable.”
He assured that the school would “run smoothly and in an orderly manner, all decisions taken legally and responsibly and the concerns and wishes of the parents would be heard with respect.”
Ritu Sharma is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express' Gujarat bureau, an editorial position that reflects her experience and Authority in regional journalism. With over a decade of concentrated reporting experience, she is a highly Trustworthy and specialized journalist, especially noted for her Expertise in the education sector across Gujarat and previously Chandigarh.
Expertise
Primary Authority (Education): With over ten years of dedicated reporting on education in both Gujarat and Chandigarh, Ritu Sharma is a foremost authority on educational policy, institutional governance, and ground realities from "KG to PG." Her coverage includes:
Higher Education: In-depth scrutiny of top institutions like IIM-Ahmedabad (controversies over demolition/restoration of heritage architecture), IIT-Bombay (caste discrimination issues), and new initiatives like international branch campuses in GIFT City.
Schooling & Policy: Detailed coverage of government schemes (Gyan Sadhana School Voucher Scheme), the implementation and impact of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, teacher recruitment issues, and the impact of national policies like the NEP.
Student Welfare: Reporting on critical issues such as suicide allegations due to caste discrimination, and the challenges faced by students (e.g., non-delivery of NAMO tablets). ... Read More
