COIMBATORE: The primary school students at a village in Kanjampatti near Pollachi were forced to wait outside the classroom on Tuesday as the headmistress went on leave, taking the building keys with her.
According to sources, students of Ponnandagoundanur Primary School saw the classroom locked in the morning.
Subsequently, parents gathered near the school and demanded action against headmistress Jayalakshmi.
“We are concerned about our children’s future. Jayalakshmi is the only teacher taking care of 16 students. But they are not getting proper education as she takes leave frequently,” said one of the parents.
On information, Education Department officials visited the spot and conducted an inquiry.
The school started functioning in the afternoon once a teacher was deputed there.
Sources said that the department has already sought an explanation from Jayalakshmi, after she took leave on October 11 and left the students in the lurch. However, the teacher has not responded to the letter so far.
Another teacher Gayathri was also working in the school. But she was sent on deputation to the Gomangalam Elementary School some 10 days ago.
“Of the 15 students, only nine are regular to the class. Though we have sought an explanation from Jayalakshmi, she has not responded,” said Joseph Karunagaran, Assistant Elementary Officer, Pollachi.
According to sources, 35 students were studying in the school some four years ago. The intake was reduced to 15 students this academic year.
Parents also claimed that teachers were not working to enrol more students in the school.