Assam School Row: Probe Ordered After 'Beef' Served to Hindu Classmates, 5 Students Face Action

Guwahati: The controversy that started over tiffin in a government school in Goalpara district of Assam has now become a topic of discussion across the state. The matter came to a head when some students of the school were accused of bringing beef in tiffin and asking their classmates to eat it too. After the information about the incident came to light, the activism of parents, local organizations and administration increased. In view of the growing controversy, the school management has constituted a 10-member committee to investigate the allegations against five students. Based on its report, this committee will decide whether any disciplinary action should be taken against the students or not.

Did a normal school dispute suddenly turn into a big issue?

It is said that the incident took place a few days ago in a higher secondary school located in Krishnai area of Goalpara district. It is alleged that some students of class nine had brought non-vegetarian food from home to school. Later some students told teachers and family members that they too were asked to eat that food. Initially the matter remained limited to the school premises, but as its information reached out, debate and protest started at the local level.

Did the administration take action after parents' complaint?

After receiving information about the incident, some parents complained to the school administration. He said that the matter should be taken seriously. After this, information was also given to the local administration and police. The officials reached the school and took stock of the situation and talked to the concerned parties. The district administration appealed to the people to maintain peace and said that the investigation should be completed before reaching any conclusion.

Did the arrest during police investigation increase the controversy?

During the investigation of the case, the police detained the mother of a student. The allegation was that he had prepared the food kept in the tiffin. The minor student was also interrogated. After this action the matter came into more headlines. Many social organizations and local groups gave their respective reactions to the incident, which further increased the sensitivity of the entire issue.

Is the school management now facing a difficult decision?

In view of the ever increasing pressure and controversy, a meeting of the School Management Committee was called. In the meeting, it was unanimously decided to constitute a 10-member inquiry committee. The committee will record statements of students, teachers, parents and other concerned people. After this a detailed report will be prepared. Based on the report, it will be decided whether the concerned students should be warned, suspended or any other action should be taken.

Can students' studies be affected?

Many people associated with education believe that it will be important to keep the future of the students in mind during any action. On one hand the complainants are demanding that action be taken as per the rules, on the other hand it is also being said that the education of minor students should not be affected. For this reason, the school administration does not want to do anything hasty and is waiting for the report of the inquiry committee.

Will the suspense remain till the report comes?

At present, the direction of the entire case depends on the report of the investigation committee. This incident remains in the news in Goalpara district and people want to know what decision the school management takes. The administration says that law and order are being closely monitored and no rumor will be allowed to spread. Now all eyes are on the report, which will clear the final picture regarding the future of the five students.