Assam: High school principal accused of demanding money from BPL students in Dhubri, angers parents

The headmistress of Ananta Mohan High School in Bishkhowa, Dhubri, Suniti Bala Roy, finds herself embroiled in controversy as allegations surface of her demanding money from Below Poverty Line (BPL) students for filling up matriculation exam forms. This unethical practice has sparked outrage among parents and locals in the Golakganj area.

Under government guidelines, fees for matriculation exam forms are waived for students from BPL families. However, reports suggest that Headmistress Suniti Bala Roy has been illegally collecting 400 to 500 rupees from each BPL student, exploiting their vulnerable financial situation.

Adding insult to injury, a note posted by the headmistress on the school's notice board trivializes the matter, insisting that parents of BPL students must provide income certificates. Such actions not only exacerbate the financial burden on already struggling families but also undermine the principles of equitable education access.

Furthermore, there are disturbing allegations that failure to pay the demanded fees results in harassment of students. Despite written complaints filed by concerned parents with the district elementary education officer in Dhubri, no action has been taken against the headmistress, leaving parents and locals dismayed.

It has also been reported that the headmistress allegedly misappropriated school property, including television sets, desktop computers, chairs, and utensils, taking them to her own home. On the occasion of Saraswati Puja, she reportedly insisted on renting utensils rather than providing them further indicating a disregard for the welfare of students and the school community.