Students Allegedly Made to Paint Classroom Walls in Haryana

Jind: Haryana Education Department officials on Tuesday questioned the students of a government senior secondary school at Hat village here over allegations that they were made to whitewash and paint the classroom walls.

The officials which included Block Education Officer Rajkumar Ahlawat, Senior Principal Naresh Verma on Tuesday visited the classrooms and spoke to the students to inquire into the allegation.

While some students complained that school principal Lajpatray made them paint and whitewash the classroom "under the threat" of deducting their assessment marks, some others said they participated on their "own free will".

A local said, his son had complained that the principal had threatened to deduct his assessment marks and stall the release of stipend if he doesn't participate in the painting work.

Panchayat members, including Sarpanch Rajendra, alleged the principal had turned the school into a "hub of politics" while the villagers complained that the SC and OBC students are not being provided stipend for the last three years.

However principal Lajpatray claimed that he had "paid" the students for the painting works from his pocket.

The inquiry report would be sent to the higher authorities. Prima Facie the students were involved in the painting work which is not included in the school beautification work as per the eduction department, Mr Ahlawat said