VIJAYAWADA: An Acharya Nagarjuna University (ANU) professor has called upon parents of discriminated children in educational institutions to come forward and share their experiences with the media rather than remaining mute spectators.
Speaking at a programme organised jointly by Dalit Sthree Sakthi (DSS) and National Dalit Movement for Justice (NDMJ) on Prevention of All Forms of Discrimination and Violence against Children in Educational Institutions in Vijayawada on Tuesday, Professor A Subramanyam said discrimination against children of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) was still prevailing in various government schools in the State, especially while serving mid-day meals.
He underscored the need to draft an Act to take punitive action against those prejudiced against such children.Students and parents in large numbers participated in the programme and shared their grievances.
“Even though, English medium education is mandatory at several government schools, the faculty in my school are prejudiced against us since we belong to weaker sections,” said a Class 10 student from Guntur district. She complained the faculty sexually harass them and sought that action be taken before any more untoward incident took place.
Another girl student form Denduluru in West Godavari district said lack of drinking water, poor toilets and bias while serving mid-day meals forced her to stay away from school.