Inquiry ordered into discrimination of tribal pupils

Nagpur: Tribal Minister Vishnu Savara ordered an inquiry on Thursday after receiving complaints about tribal students admitted in English medium schools being discriminated against. It was found that 11 students in Panchgani, Satara district, developed skin ailments and another school in Palghar did not provide bath water to its students for 15 days. The minister also assured that the department would take action against such schools if they are found guilty.

“We will conduct a divisional inquiry of English-medium schools where tribal students have faced discrimination. Strict action would be taken against them,” Savara said during Question Hour in the assembly.

BJP MLA Manisha Chowdhary had raised the issue that a school in Palghar did not give bath water to its tribal students for 15 days.” No health checkup was conducted and no food was provided to them. The students conducted a march on the issue. Will you take any action against the school?” Ms Chowdhary asked.

Leader of the opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil alleged that these schools take the funds given to them for these students, but do nothing with the money. He added that these schools should have their licences cancelled. “A case should be registered against these schools and their approvals should be cancelled,” Mr Vikhe-Patil said.

In a written reply, Mr Savara has agreed that tribal students are treated separately for the first three to six months so that they are brought at par with other students. A departmental inquiry has shown that they get good facilities and are not discriminated against, he said.