The Mooknayak Impact: NCPCR Takes Cognizance of Kerala School Caste Discrimination Case, Asks Idukki Collector to File Action Taken Report in 7 Days

On Wednesday, a counseling session was conducted for Pranav’s classmates at the school, while a separate team visited Pranav’s home to counsel him in the afternoon.
New Delhi- The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has taken cognizance of a case where a six-year-old Dalit boy, Pranav Sijoy, was allegedly forced to clean the vomit of a sick classmate at St. Benedicts L.P. School, Sleevamala.
The NCPCR has issued a notice to the District Collector of Idukki under Section 13 of the CPCR Act, 2005, seeking an Action Taken Report within seven days.
The letter issued by Dharmendra Bhandari, principal private secretary, NCPCR read: The Commission is in receipt of a complaint wherein it has been alleged that minor son of the complainant studying in II Standard at St. Benedicts L.P. School, Sleevamalalavas forced to clean vomiting in the class on 13.11.2024. It has been further alleged that one of the classmate vomited in the class due to ill health and the teacher forced the minor to clean it, when the complainant’s son refused to do so, the teacher shouted at him. In view of the allegations stated in the complaint, the Commission has taken cognizance under Section 13(1)(j) of CPCR Act, 2005.
The Commission has directed the DM to inquire into the matter and submit an Action Taken Report along with other relevant documents within 7 days.
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The incident, which occurred on November 13, gained national attention after The Mooknayak published a series of investigative reports exposing the systemic apathy and inaction by the school management. Despite the school’s own admission that children were made to perform cleaning tasks, no corrective measures were initially taken.
The issue first came to light when Dr. Rehna Raveendran, an assistant professor at Allahabad University, shared a post about the incident. This post was subsequently taken up by The Mooknayak, which highlighted the incident through its in-depth reporting. Following the prominent coverage in The Mooknayak, other media outlets also picked up the story, amplifying the demand for justice for the Dalit child.
Shailendra Pandya, a child rights expert from Rajasthan, played a pivotal role in escalating the matter by advising the child’s mother, Priyanka Soman, to file a formal complaint with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). Acting on this complaint, the NCPCR took cognizance of the case and issued a notice to the District Collector of Idukki, directing an Action Taken Report within seven days.
What Happened So Far?
Priyanka, a data entry operator, recounted the traumatic experience of her son, Pranav, who was coerced by his teacher, Maria, into cleaning the mess despite his refusal. Priyanka alleged that the incident was rooted in caste prejudice, as her son was singled out for the degrading task. “The teacher’s actions left my child humiliated and scared to return to school,” she said. The parents sought TC from the school and got Pranav admitted in a government school, 12 kms away from their home.
After raising the issue with Child Line, the education department, and local authorities, Priyanka was met with resistance. She accused the school of manipulating statements and downplaying the caste angle to protect their reputation. Despite children’s statements corroborating the allegations, local officials and police seemed reluctant to take decisive action.
Priyanka’s interaction with the investigating officer further revealed systemic apathy. “The officer suggested that such practices are common in schools,” she recounted. “I reminded him that just because something was a norm in the past, it doesn’t justify its existence today, especially when laws prohibit such discrimination.”
Priyanka has demanded that schools employ dedicated cleaning staff to prevent children from being subjected to such tasks. She has also urged authorities to examine CCTV footage to uncover the truth and ensure transparency in the investigation.
Kerala Teacher Forces 6-Year-Old Dalit Student to Clean Classmate’s Vomit, Sparks Outrage
Meanwhile, on Sunday, Bahujan organizations, including the Bhim Army, Bahujan Samaj Party, and the Cherama Sambava Development Society (CSDS), organized a mashaal rally from Vattakanipara to Kuthungal town. They condemned the caste-based discrimination at St. Benedict’s L.P. School. The protesters raised slogans demanding stringent action against the school authorities, particularly the teacher involved in the incident.
On Wednesday, following orders from the District Magistrate, a counseling session was conducted for Pranav’s classmates at the school, while a separate team visited Pranav’s home to counsel him in the afternoon.
However, Pranav’s mother, expressed concerns over the integrity of the investigation. “From the hints dropped by the team that visited us, I feel the report is likely to be manipulated. To downplay the caste angle, they might present it as though all children were involved in cleaning the vomit, rather than acknowledging that Pranav alone was forced to do it,” she said, reiterating her fears of injustice in the case.
Courtesy: The Mooknayak
Note: This news is originally published on themooknayak.com and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially for human rights.