RANCHI: Around 300 students of Kasturba Gandhi Residential Girls' School in Koderma took to the streets on Friday, staging a ‘gherao’ of the block office to protest alleged mismanagement and poor infrastructure at the school.
The students marched nearly 8 kilometres on foot to the Satgawan block office to press for their demands. During the march, several students reportedly fainted and were taken to the Community Health Centre for medical treatment.
The students have repeatedly raised concerns over various issues at the school. On August 15, they staged a protest on the school premises, following which Block Development Officer (BDO) Manoj Kumar Ravi, local public representatives and other officials visited the school.
However, a week passed without any concrete action, leaving the students frustrated and prompting them to resume their protest by surrounding the block office.
Angered by the poor quality of food and the state of the education system, the students marched to the block headquarters carrying placards and raising slogans such as “Education is our right” and “We children have resolved to claim our rights.”
The students said they did not want to protest but were seeking better academic instruction and respectful treatment. They questioned whom they should approach when their complaints remain unresolved despite repeated representations.
A student, Radhika Kumari, highlighted the lack of basic amenities at the school, including adequate teachers, sanitation staff and drinking water facilities.
“Shortage of teachers is disrupting academics, and Class 6 students, in particular, are unable to study properly. Furthermore, students are even required to clean the toilets themselves,” Radhika said.
Another student, Sonam Kumari, alleged that the quality of food served at the school was poor and that proper hygiene was not maintained in the mess. She also claimed that classes were not being conducted regularly.
“Regular classes are not being conducted, even though examinations are fast approaching,” Sonam said. She further alleged that students faced mistreatment whenever they questioned the warden about their studies.
District Education Officer Mukul Raj reached the block office and spoke to the students, addressing their concerns. He assured them that the shortcomings at the school would be rectified soon and that the necessary facilities would be provided.
Following the assurance, the students returned to their school.