School issue: Opposition corners BJP in NDMC panel meet

New Delhi: Opposition parties on Thursday sought to corner the BJP-led North Delhi Municipal Corporation over the segregation of students into Hindu and Muslim sections at a municipal school in North Delhi, with the AAP alleging an “RSS connection” to the shocking act that led to suspension of the school's in-charge.

During the Standing Committee meeting of the North Corporation, the AAP and the Congress also demanded stricter action against the accused in-charge, saying his mere suspension was not enough.

“Action should be taken against other senior officials, too, who could be involved in it. It is a shocking case that goes against the harmonious culture of India, as we know it. A mere school in-charge could not have possibly done this act without connivance of other senior officials. Also, I suspect the RSS' involvement in it, since elections are due next year,” AAP leader Vikas Goel said.

The head of the school in Wazirabad was suspended on Wednesday for segregating students into Hindu and Muslim sections, the commissioner of the North Corporation had said here, while denouncing his action as unimaginable and unpardonable.

Senior Congress leader Mukesh Goel said other Corporation-run schools should also be inspected to see if such a practice was being followed there and appropriate action should be taken accordingly. Mr Goel also alleged that the revenues earned through parking and conversion charges were unaccounted and demanded explanation over it.

“As per the response given by the NDMC, Rs 1090.36 cr has been earned in conversion charges from 2006 till August 31, 2018 and Rs 274.04 cr from parking charges in the same period. I want to ask what happened to that money,” said Mr Goel.  

Standing Committee chairperson Veena Virmani took cognisance of the issue raised by him and directed officials to give a proper reply to his queries in the next meeting of the panel.