School revokes fee hike

The fees had recently been raised abruptly from Rs 60 to 100 without informing the parents.

Parents had organised a similar protest in 1996, when the Bhayander Kelwani Mandal, which manages the school, had increased the fees from Rs 40 to Rs 60. At the time, school authorities promised to keep the fees static for the next five years.

The parents also demanded that computer classes for students in the primary section be discontinued. “How can one expect four- and five-year-olds to learn computers,” asked a parent who has to fork out a special fee for his daughter’s computerlessons. The protest grew vociferous when parents demanded the expulsion of one teacher, who allegedly called some of them “prostitutes” when they tried to meet her.

Anger had been simmering for a while, with parents alleging that the attitude of some teachers borders on the wicked. They cited the case of a student in the primary section, who was badly beaten by his Physical Training teacher. The boy’s lower lip split as a result of the beating. They also claimed a Std III student was asked to shift a cupboard in class. While forced to perform the chore, the cupboard fell on the boy, who cut his thumb. The boy’s parents, who earn a paltry Rs 1,500 per month, spent Rs 3,000 on treatment.

The school management refused to foot the bill, instead offering to pay Rs 600, the maximum the school gives for any injury. The school had also dubbed the chore as “social work” when they were asked to explain why a student had to do a peon’s job.

In another instance, the parents alleged, a teacher offered somegirls tips’ on how to improve their grades. She had allegedly asked them to dress well, by "applying lipstick, wearing striking colours and roaming the streets”. This, she said, would ensure they got noticed. One of the girls was so shocked, parents claimed, that she fainted. No action has been taken against the teacher. Poddar High School, which has about 5,000 students enrolled in its Marathi, Hindi and Gujarati sections, is considered one of the better schools in Bhayander (W) and its students have often figured in the merit list. The school is also noted for its library and laborataries facilities, which is why parents residing outside Bhayander opt to enroll their children here. Today’s protest was organised by Gaurang Kansara under the auspices of two organisations: Fight for Public Rights and Parents Association of Mira-Bhayander. General secretary of Bhayander Kelwani Mandal Shashikant Shah, resigned in the evening, saying the agitation was politially motivated.