Principal clarifies
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 01 2018: Laishram Indrakumar, Principal of Free Progress Academy, Konthoujam, has spoken out against the charges levelled against him and the school by the parents of a girl student who allegedly developed psychiatric problems after receiving corporal punishment from him for drawing during class.

Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club today, the Principal informed that the said girl student, who is the daughter of one Mani and Romabati of Khaidem Mayai Leikai, is presently studying in class DC.

He admitted that after the student was brought to his room by a teacher for drawing during class, he (Indrakumar) had disciplined her for not concentrating in the classroom.

However, contrary to the parents' claim, the student was not alone in the Principal's room as she was accompanied by another girl student who had been brought by the teacher for painting her hands as well, Indrakumar narrated and added that when he tried to contact the respective guardians of the two students, they begged him not to do so and promised that they will be attentive inside the class in the future.

They were finally let off and allowed to join their class after giving proper warning, he added.

Indrakumar continued that later, as a Principal, he went on a regular check of all the classes and on reaching the class IX section, he saw the same two students along with two others not concentrating in the class and as such he intervened and gave a stern warning to the said students.

The Principal continued that after some time, the girl student in question complained that she was not feeling well and as such she was allowed to rest inside the school common room.

Later her guardians/parents came and took her away.

However, after hearing that she had been taken to Khumbong PHC by her parents, the school sent a teacher to look after the situation of the student.

But after learning that the case was not serious, the teacher came back, Indrakumar added.

He explained that the next day, the mother of the student came to his residence and took away the drawing her daughter's drawing.

When he went to visit the student later in the evening, she was completely fine and mingling with some of her friends at her home.

Claiming that the school officials even visited the student when she was admitted to RIMS psychiatric ward and even when she was discharged and brought back home, Indrakumar alleged that on the day the school authorities visited her home after she was discharged, the parents were also talking normally with the school officials.

However, on that day, when the school officials got up to leave, the parents went inside their house with some family members to discuss something.

After coming out, they suddenly demanded Rs 5 lakh from the school authorities for treatment and other expenses of the student.

The Principal claimed that, stunned, he told the parents that he would consult the school management regarding the issue.

After discussing the matter with the school management, the guardians were notified to give their demands in a written document but till date they have failed to do so, Indrakumar alleged.

He also added that the said student studied in the school from Nursery to Class I before she dropped out for some years.

When she finally came and was admitted to class IV, it was learned from some of her relatives that during the years she dropped from the school, she had been involved in .

a major accident.

Comment