Little impact of bandh call on attendance in schools

Schools across Ahmedabad recorded a thin attendance on Thursday because of the bandh call observed across the country. While the District Education Officer (DEO) had no asked the asked the schools to remain closed, the parents were scared to send their kids to classes. Flare-ups and rising protests on Tuesday evening had sent shockwaves to the parents across the state. Apart from damaging properties, the protestors also set many vehicles on fire.

Since the release of Padmaavat on Thursday, a call for bandh was made by the Karni Sena, one of the Rajput outfits. However, the schools claimed that the attendance of students dipped, but the impact was not major.

Delhi Public School, Bopal and Divine Child International School (DCIS) recorded 94% and 95% attendance respectively. Ruchi Chaudhary, managing trustee, Shankus Foundation, Divine Child International School (DCIS) said, "We recorded 95% attendance, mainly because we provide bus service to our students. Those who travel on private vehicles suffered most."

For FD Anisha Shaikh, principal of FD High School for Girls, said, "As compared to usual days, the attendance was low. We recorded 80% of attendance on Thursday. Most of the parents were sceptical to send their daughters."

Udgam School for Children recorded 85% of attendance. Nisha Shah, the mother of an eight-year-old girl said, "I did not send my daughter fearing the protests. While she takes a school bus to commute, in Gurugram, a school bus was also attacked."

PADMAAVAT PANDEMONIUM 

• Flare-ups and rising protests on Tuesday evening had sent shockwaves to parents. 
   
• Since the release of Padmaavat on Thursday, a call for bandh was made by the Karni Sena, one of the Rajput outfits.
   
• However, most schools claimed that the impact was not major.