COIMBATORE: Defying the state government’s order declaring a holiday on former President APJ Abdul Kalam’s funeral, a private matriculation school in the city conducted classes for Class X and Class XII students on Thursday.
As a mark of respect to the former President, the Tamil Nadu government had declared a holiday on the day of his funeral for educational institutions, government and private establishments under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, through a Government Order (GO) issued by Chief Secretary K Gnanadesikan, dated July 28. However, the management of a private matriculation school off Avinashi Road had asked the students of classes X and XII to come to school wearing casuals. When officials from the office of the Inspector of Matriculation Schools as well as mediapersons reached the campus, the authorities hurriedly sent the students out through a different gate.
An SMS sent to the parents from the school principal reads, “Dear parents, tomorrow (30.07.15) will be a holiday for Pre-KG to IX and XI Standard students.”
When contacted, the principal refuted the charges and asserted that classes were not conducted. “Around 50 students are residing in the school’s hostel. Some of them came to school to study while others came to play football,” she added.
“Since Class X and Plus-Two students usually attend special classes on Saturdays, we send text messages in two batches, one for Pre-KG to class IX along with class XI and the other for classes X and XII,” she claimed.
When contacted, the Inspector of Matriculation Schools, R Geetha, said a memo will be issued to the school on Friday, seeking an explanation for violating the government order and appropriate action will be taken based on the management’s reply.
Chief Educational Officer (CEO) N Arul Murugan said, “The explanation from the school will be sent to the Directorate of School Education and they will be deciding on the further course of action to be initiated.”
Meanwhile, some schools in the city, despite declaring a holiday for students, had asked teachers to come to school. Commenting on this, the CEO said the schools may have asked teachers to come to pay homage to former President Kalam.