High drama outside Teja Singh Sutantar School

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 5

High drama was witnessed outside Teja Singh Sutantar School here following “cutting” of names of two students from one of its branches. The reason for removing the names was non-submission of the school fee of two students, alleged parents.

Around 50 to 60 parents gathered outside school today and asked the management to cut names of their wards too as they were also unable to deposit fee.

Parents said they held a peaceful protest near the school in which mother of the two children also participated yesterday. Today, she came to know that the management had cut names of her wards from the school register. “Why has she been targeted alone?” asked parents.

Talking to The Tribune, Manjit Singh, a parent said, the school was asking them to deposit Rs 18,000 per child, which included Rs 10,000 as admission fee and the remaining was the four months tuition fee.

“We will not give admission fee as our businesses have suffered losses. Moreover, the court has also asked schools not to take admission fee and other charges. We are ready to pay some amount of tuition fee, but not other hefty charges. If they wish to cut names of our children, they can do so, but we are clear on our stand,” the parent added.

Amandeep Kaur, mother of the two children, whose names were allegedly cut by the management, said why she alone was targeted while all others had taken part in the protest too.

“My wards study in other branch. Today, I came to know that names of my children have been cut from the school register. This is unfortunate on part of the school authorities. They should give a patient hearing to parents and understand their situation too. But, no one is ready to listen to us,” she alleged.

Since July 3, there were no online classes or homework for students, parents said. “Why are the school authorities asking for fee when classes are not being held,” asked Manjit Singh.

Director’s take

GS Grewal, director, Teja Singh Sutantar School, however, maintained that name of not even single child was cut from the school register. “They are leader type parents, who want to seek media’s attention. Few people have political links. So, they want to take advantage of the issue. The Principal is calling them, but they are not meeting her. Our school has a reputation. Students secure top positions in the state,” the director said. “We are providing best education and consider children, who are genuinely poor and needy. But, this kind of blackmail is uncalled for as we are working as per the High Court orders,” the director added.

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