Why Did Parents Withdraw Students After a Dalit Cook's Appointment?

Chamarajanagar (Karnataka), June 25 (NationPress) A troubling incident has emerged from Chamarajanagar district in Karnataka, where parents have reportedly pulled their children from a government school following the appointment of a Dalit woman as the head cook.

This situation arose at the Government Higher Primary School in Homma village. Out of 22 enrolled students, the parents of 21 have withdrawn their children, leaving just one student still attending the school.

The head cook and kitchen staff noted that only seven of the 22 students participated in the Mid-Day Meals provided at the school.

Sources have indicated that the appointment of a Dalit woman as the head cook sparked discontent among some parents.

Reportedly, several parents, dissatisfied with the appointment, collected Transfer Certificates (TCs) for their children and enrolled them in other schools. Consequently, the school is now on the brink of closure, sources added.

Local residents allege that caste-based prejudice is the primary reason for the children's withdrawal, citing the cook's Dalit identity.

For the academic year 2024–25, the school began with 22 students. However, 12 have already taken TCs, and applications for the remaining students have been submitted. With no students left, the school is now facing imminent closure, according to sources.

Currently, only one student attends classes, alongside two teachers. The parents of this remaining student have also sought a TC to move their child elsewhere, as per sources.

After news of this situation spread on social media, the district administration promptly visited the school on Wednesday, conducting a series of meetings with teachers and parents. Officials from both the Education Department and the Department of Social Welfare also visited the school in Homma village.

Chamarajanagar SP, B.T. Kavitha, Zilla Panchayat CEO Mona Roat, and DDPI Ramachandra Raje Urs personally engaged with parents and teachers regarding this issue.

Parents expressed to CEO Roat that they had withdrawn their children due to the poor quality of teaching at the school.

However, the official team successfully persuaded the parents of eight children to re-enroll their children in the school.

SP Kavitha indicated that a thorough investigation will be conducted to understand why the children were not consuming meals at the school.

"If it is found that untouchability was practiced and a complaint is lodged, strict measures will be taken against those involved," she stated.

Roat noted that the initial report indicated students were withdrawn due to educational quality issues, but new allegations have surfaced.

“We are receiving conflicting reports regarding the students' transfers. We have assured parents that qualified teachers will be appointed at the school and necessary actions will be taken," she added.