JOIN USParents sceptical about their children's safety in Hebbal Kendriya Vidyalaya
Parents who have sought admission for their children in Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV), Hebbal, are now a sceptical lot. They say they would reconsider their decision keeping in mind the safety of their kids, in view of the arrest of the school principal on charges of sexual harassment.
When DH visited the school on Saturday, several parents who had come to get admissions to their children in the institution said that they were shocked to hear about the allegations of sexual harassment against the principal Kumar Thakur.
They said the quality of education in the school was beyond doubt. However, an incident of this sort had raised questions about child safety. “I was shocked when I heard about the incident. I am certainly worried about my child’s safety. This school has always excelled in academics. We are hopeful that the authorities act fast and change the principal. Else, we might consider applying in other schools" said a parent.
While the principal has been forced to go on leave, it is not sure whether he will return to duty. “What is the guarantee that incidents of this sort would not repeat in the school? If he returns to the post, how can I be assured of my daughter's safety?" questioned Suresh, another parent. There was a mixed reaction to the allegations against the principal from parents of students who are currently studying in the school. “There have been no such complaints before. We are now a worried lot. The teachers or management have not yet convened a meeting to discuss the issue,” said Suparna, a parent.
Another parent Ram Prasad said that he had faith in the management and was hopeful that they would act fast. “The decision the committee takes would reflect its role,” he added. He questioned as to why the teachers who too were reportedly victims of such harassment did not lodge a police complaint. “I have met the principal many times in the past. I have never felt anything suspicious,” he added.
Prathima (name changed), a parent, questioned as to why the school has so far not responded to the incident.
Primary school students were informed by their class teachers on Saturday that a new principal has taken charge. Many students who saw the police making rounds to the school also came home with several questions in their mind. “My son told me that the police had come to school. He said talks were that the principal was arrested. I had to tell him that he was taken away by the police for beating some child,” said a parent of a class two student.
Rajya Sabha member Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who spoke at an event in NLSIU said the principal out on bail, he could intimidate the students and, it would in turn affect the investigation.