A School Asks Rs 100 From Students Who OverLook Mann ki Baat 100th Episode

Dehradun, India: A private CBSE school in Dehradun allegedly instructed students who missed the 100th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Mann ki Baat" last Sunday or left it in the middle to pay a fine of Rs 100 or present a medical note for their absence. After receiving complaints from parents, the education department notified the school and launched an investigation. The school has refuted the accusation in the interim. 

As per the statement of Darshan, the school's senior coordinator, there have been no fines collected. He said, "We merely issued a few warnings to maintain discipline."

 "Like many educational institutions, the school had asked students to come to the campus on Sunday for a screening of the episode, and there was also an option to join the event online," said Arif Khan, the president of the National Association for Parents and Students Rights (NAPSR), the group that filed the complaint.

After this, the school sent a statement on social media groups warning that those who skipped or left midway through the screening would have to either pay a fine of Rs 100 or provide a medical certificate. Khan then continues, "Private schools often come up with such tactics to mint money and force a financial burden on parents. This is completely illegal."

On this incident, Pradeep Kumar Rawat, the chief education officer, stated, "We have taken cognizance of the complaint against the school and sent them a notice. They have three days to explain. If they don't, action will be taken against them. An inquiry into the allegations is underway."

No private school is allowed to act in this way, according to education department authorities, and disciplinary action will be taken if the investigation backs up the charges against them. An officer from the investigation team said, "In case any fines or penalties were collected from students, the money will have to be immediately returned. Under no circumstances can a private school impose financial liability on parents for an optional activity.