School issues TC to students over non-payment of fees; parents stage protest

Bhubaneswar: The Parents’ Association of ODM Public School today staged a hunger strike protesting issuance of transfer certificate (TCs) to 11 students by the school authorities allegedly over non-payment of fees. While some guardians fell sick on the second day of the agitation today, the parents’ association moved the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights seeking its intervention into the matter.

According to reports, the school has allegedly issued transfer certificates to 11 students from LKG to Class IV for non- payment of school fees.

“The decision of the school to issue TC to 11 students for non-payment of fees is violation of Right to Education (RTE) Act and the Child Rights Act. In our constitution, it is clearly mentioned that 6-14 years children cannot be asked to leave the school. The same rule even applies to private schools as well. There is a provision for late fee when a guardian fails to submit fee on time. We are ready to clear all the pending dues,” said Sanjukta Panigrahi, working president of the State Parents’ Association.

Pranati Bastia, a guardian said, “The school authorities are saying that we cannot raise voice against them. Our demand is that they should withdraw the transfer certificate and allow the students to attend classes. We are ready for talks with the management but the school authorities should give us proof on the allegations that we misbehaved with a lady.”

Meanwhile, the school authorities refused to comment on the issue.