Probe initiated against schools

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 8

On directions of the Director (School Education), District Education Officer Anujit Kaur today initiated an inquiry into the the issue of indemnity bond demanded by four city schools, along with admission forms, from parents.

Director (School Education) Rubinderjit Singh said a complaint was filed by the Chandigarh Parents’ Association (CPA) in this regard.

According to the complaint, St John’s High School, Sector 26; Carmel Convent School, Sector 9; Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, Sector 26; and Chitkara International School, Sector 25, have demanded indemnity bonds from parents.

“Why the school managements are not confident about their own administration and the safety measures taken by them. Rather, they are sure that some mishappening may take place in the school. Thus, it is an effort to safeguard their interests,” said Nitin Goyal, president, CPA.

He added, “Why can’t they take proper care of their schools by ensuring compliance of the safety norms. They are running away from their responsibility. This points at the intention of the schools, who are trying to threaten and coerce parents. If they cannot follow the safety norms and due diligence, then the school managements should withdraw and handover the schools to the Chandigarh Administration. ” 

The CPA says that the schools’ condition will override Article 21A of the Constitution of India, which mandates to provide free and compulsory education as a fundamental right.

 In some cases, such conditions resulted in the forfeiture of the fee and security deposit, said the CPA. Commenting on the issue, HS Mamik, president of the Independent Schools Education, said, “The choice lies with parents while selecting a school for their children. The schools have the right to protect themselves legally. In the Gurgaon incident, where a boy was murdered, members of the school management were arrested. There are issues that are in no one’s control.”