Sudents walk 30 km to meet collector over harassment by headmaster
By Our Correspondent
BARIPADA (ODISHA), MARCH 16: Baripada: Around 100 tribal students of SSD Government Residential High School at Balidiha under Samakhunta block of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district on Friday walked about 30 km to reach the Collector’s office in order to put forth their allegation of being harassed by the school’s headmaster.
As alleged by the students, they were provided with sub-standard foods in their meals. The girl students further alleged that the headmaster and his brother, who stays near the school, were sexually harassing them.
Though the students were unable to meet the Collector due to his absence, they apprised the District Welfare Officer (DWO) about their problems.
While the official promised them of action in the incident, the students demanded transfer or suspension of the headmaster following which he was suspended.
In a similar incident, nearly 400 students of the Karanjia Girls’ High School also walked 10 km to meet the Karanjia Sub-collector over various issues in their school.
State tribal affairs minister Ramesh Majhi said an inquiry had been ordered into the allegations of harassment and district collectors were instructed to take appropriate action against the accused teacher.
