School ferries differently abled students in lorries

The manner in which differently-abled children, who actively participated in ‘Makkala-Habba’, were ferried in a goods carrier vehicle to the venue, has brought the school under the scanner of the Department of Public Instruction, which has spoken of initiating stringent action against the school.

On Monday, while school students from across district were ferried in private buses and other vehicles, around 40 inmates of Government of School for Deaf and Dumb in Tilak Nagar (North Zone) in the city ferried its students in a lorry.

As soon as the lorry arrived at the venue, officials of DDPI took serious objection to it and termed it an “inhuman” act.

Notice

S P Nagaraj, District Education Officer, speaking to Deccan Herald, said that the department had taken note of the issues and that the matter would be brought to the notice of the Deputy Commissioner. 

“We will also issue a notice to the school head, seeking an explanation, regarding the issue,” he stated.

Srinivas, Superintendent, Government Deaf and Dumb school, said that the school was not provided any expenses for the transportation of the children nor had the organisers arranged any vehicle facility. 

Participation

“Earlier, we were asked to bring only those children who are performing. Later in the morning, the Women and Child Development department deputy director insisted the school send all children, so that they can enjoy and be a part of the event. Since it was such a short notice, we were forced to arrange for a lorry,” he added.

N R Vijay, Deputy Director, Women and Children Development department, said that the schools had to bear the travel expenses on their own, and that the department was not responsible for the same. 

“If the schools don’t have school vehicles, they should arrange it from outside, and ferry the students,” he said.