The matter came to light when Jagadish went on an inspection of the school. Ayesha Banu, a student of class III in the academic year 2009-10, was demoted to class II in the subsequent academic year. Another student, Bibi Ayesha, has been continued in the same class for two consecutive years. It has also come to light that Mansoor Ali Khan was made to study in class I for the academic years 2008-09 and 2009-10.
Jagadish asked Headmistress Khatoon Bi and Assistant Teacher Sameena Shahin why no efforts were made to bring back absentee students like Musavir Pasha and Nayaz Pasha. The BEO also seized the attendance register which was full of discrepancies. “Demoting students and detaining them in the same class is against the rule. You have failed students who were studying reasonably well,” Jagadish said.
The teachers also failed to produce the cumulative records of the students. Rules stipulate that even if a student is poor in studies, he or she can be promoted if there is 75 per cent attendance. They can be given additional coaching to enhance their capabilities. Though there are only six students in the school, the register has 11 names. The teachers defended their action saying the parents of the students had given letters that their children be detained in the same class.
However, the BEO said notice will be issued to the Headmistress and a thorough probe would be conducted.
