Dhanbad Carmel School management seizes administrative power of principal

Carmel School Digwadih Under Internal Probe Amid Allegations of Student Mistreatment

Dhanbad, January 14: Despite the Dhanbad district administration giving a clean chit to Carmel School Digwadih, the Council for Education, Northern Province Carmel Jwala, Patna, has initiated an internal inquiry into the alleged misconduct involving the school principal. The council has also ordered the principal to step aside from administrative responsibilities until the inquiry is completed.

Sister Maria Kirti AC, a councillor with the Northern Province, stated in a press release that the inquiry aims to uncover the facts surrounding the allegations. “If necessary, appropriate corrective measures will be recommended. To ensure impartiality, the school principal has been asked to relinquish all administrative duties during the investigation,” said Sister Maria Kirti AC.

The allegations stem from an incident on January 9, when the school principal allegedly punished Class X girl students by forcing them to remove their shirts as punishment for celebrating “Pen Day,” during which students signed messages on each other’s clothing.

Sister Maria further clarified, “Initial findings suggest that the students were wearing an additional shirt over their school uniforms on which they were writing messages. Nevertheless, an internal inquiry has been launched to address the matter.”

Administrative Actions and Investigations:
Following complaints from parents and public representatives, Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner Madhwi Mishra formed a five-member committee under the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) to investigate the matter. The Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) also took suo moto cognizance and instructed the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to conduct an inquiry and submit a report. Additionally, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has directed the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) to investigate the incident.

Interestingly, on Monday evening, the SDM reportedly brokered a compromise between the parents of the affected students and the school principal, subsequently issuing a clean chit to the school. However, the council’s decision to conduct an independent inquiry and temporarily remove the principal from administrative responsibilities has added a new twist to the case.

The incident has sparked widespread discussions, with stakeholders urging thorough investigations to ensure accountability and the safety of students.