Expelled students’ kin threaten hunger strike

Parents of students expelled from Vishwajyot High School, Kharghar, are threatening to go on a hunger strike on Friday if the education department does not take necessary action against the school.

Parents of 10 students who were given their leaving certificates by the school met the deputy director of education at Charni Road on Wednesday.

“An education officer will visit the school on Thursday. A senior official promised that action will be initiated once they get a report from the officer. A joint meeting between parents and the school management will also be arranged,” said Ashok Pawar, whose two children were expelled.

“We insisted that the directorate issue a letter or order instructing the school to allow the children to attend the class till the inquiry is being conducted. However, the director said a decision will be taken after the meeting on Thursday,” said a parent who did not wish to be named, adding that if the decision was not in their favour they would go on a hunger strike.

Around 150 parents of the school were protesting against the 45% fee hike, and additional charges imposed for building fund. The school expelled those students whose parents were protesting against the hike on Tuesday. “If they pay the fees they can come back to school. But, the school will not roll back the fee hike,” said Sushma Dhumal, director, Vishwajyot School, Kharghar.