Nearly 200 students staged a protest in Madhya Pradesh’s Barwani district, alleging that teachers at a government-run residential school used casteist remarks against some students and behaved inappropriately.
According to reports, the students marched nearly 25 kilometres towards the District Magistrate’s office. They also staged a sit-in on the busy Agra–Mumbai National Highway, raising slogans over their demands.
The protest was called off after District Magistrate Jayati Singh met the students in Julwania and announced the formation of a team to investigate their allegations.
Interacting with reporters, District Magistrate Zayati Singh said, “The students’ concerns have been taken seriously. Appropriate action will be taken as soon as possible after the investigation.”
The demonstration continued for nearly 10 hours before the students agreed to end their protest. They were subsequently escorted back to the school hostel by bus.
Students studying in Classes 10 to 12 at Eklavya Adarsh Residential School in Jambhli alleged that some teachers used casteist slurs against them and insulted them. They also claimed that they were not allowed to meet their family members at the hostel and alleged that they were subjected to inappropriate behaviour.
The students also raised concerns over the lack of basic sports and other school facilities.
Sources said the school principal, police personnel and administrative officials had attempted to persuade the students to call off their protest, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The protest continued until the District Magistrate met the students and assured them that their grievances would be investigated.