Express Message Service
PUDUKOTTAI: A group of students in grades 11 and 12 from a state school in Malaiyur, Pudukottai came to the collectorate to meet the collector Kavitha Ramu and to petition. However, they were allegedly stopped and turned back by a district education officer and police personnel. According to sources, the school in Malaiyur has been functioning without an adequate English teacher for a year and a half.
The students traveled for over an hour and reached the collective to ask the district administration to ensure the appointment of teachers. However, they were allegedly made to stand near the front gate. Arjunan C, a grade 12 student, said that grades 11 and 12 students have not had an English teacher for over a year, affecting those who come from a rural background. J Kaviarasan, another 12th grader, said:
“Our school has English teachers from grades 1 to 10. However, these teachers do not take lessons for us. Our midterm exams are on Wednesday and we need help from teachers to read English properly. How can we do well if we don’t have a regular teacher.” When asked why they didn’t meet the Collector, G Vignesh, another student, said, “The education officer and police didn’t let us in.
We said we just wanted us to submit our petition to the Collector. But they refused to let us in.” Manivannan, Chief Education Officer of Pudukkottai, said, “Some people with a specific motive brought these students to the Collectorate. The DEO spoke to the students and we sent them back. They came in school uniform.
The school has four graduate English teachers who are eligible for promotion as PG teachers.” Asked whether officers have the right to prevent students from meeting the Collector, the DEO said, “We have the right as students fall under the School Education Department.” When contacted, Kavitha Ramu said, “I will check with the officials on the matter.” TNIE attempted to contact District Police Chief Vandita Pandey. However, she could not be reached.
