UP: Principal segregates students on basis of caste, removed

The principal of a private-aided educational institution in Hathras was removed from his post on Thursday and an inquiry ordered against him for allegedly segregating students on the basis of their caste.

According to reports, Radhey Shyam Varshney, principal of PC Bagla Inter College had segregated students of Class 9 on the basis of caste – scheduled caste (SC), other backward caste (OBC) and general – and also appointed same caste teachers for students.

This absurd practice was going on since April 1 – the start of the new session.

The issue came to the notice of Lalji Prasad Nirmal, president of Ambedkar Mahasabha in Lucknow. He took it up with chief secretary Alok Ranjan.

On Ranjan’s directive, Hatras district magistrate Avinash Krishan Singh removed the principal and handed over the charge to another person.

As per Varshney’s scheme of things, a general category teacher was appointed for a classroom having general students. Likewise, a scheduled caste teacher was appointed for a classroom with SC students and an OBC teacher for OBC students.

“After I came to know about the issue, I immediately issued orders for removal of the principal,” the Hatras DM told Hindustan Times over phone. The district inspector of schools (DIoS) will further probe the issue, he added.

Speaking to HT, Nirmal said: “The principal indulged in an absurd practice. It was a serious issue and required immediate attention of the state government. I apprised the chief secretary who got him removed.”

“Prime facie the principal is at fault. He has been removed from the post. Other charges against him, including charging exorbitant fee, are also being probed,” Jitendra Kumar Malik, Hatras DIoS told HT over phone.

Of late, issues related to dalits, especially students, are hogging limelight but for wrong reasons.