Telangana school forcibly cuts hair of 120 students, parents protest

An inquiry into the incident has been initiated by the District Collector.

news Controversy

The Mini Tribal welfare residential school in Medak witnessed a minor row after the school principal chopped off hair of 120 girl students to tackle the problem of lice infestation, without the consent of the parents. According to reports, a guard was attacked in commotion. Though the incident took place last week, it came to light on Tuesday.

The residential school has around 180 students, studying Class 1 to 5.

According to reports, last week, the school principal Aruna Reddy hired barbers to shorten the hair of the students. However, on Saturday, when the parents of the students arrived at the school to take them home, they were shocked to see their daughters’ hair missing. They took offence to the fact that the school authorities had not sought their approval before taking such a decision.

The agitated parents claimed that it is against their faith to cut the children’s hair, and got into a feud with the guard, Shobha. The argument escalated and the parents attacked Shoba, who is presently availing treatment in a government hospital, reports say.

The principal, Aruna defending her actions said, “Taking the health of the students into consideration, I took such a decision. I sought an approval from regional coordinator, and even from the students.”

Apologising for the incident she told the news media, “Though we had not informed all parents, we did call a few. There is no other ill-intention behind this. I apologise if anybody is hurt by it.”

She also reportedly said that there was a shortage of water in the school, hence the students couldn’t wash clothes or take a bath.

Responding on the issue, Collector M Dharma Reddy sought an explanation from Aruna, besides directing the BC Welfare officer Sudhakar to conduct an inquiry into the incident.

Following the Collector’s directions, Sudhakar visited the school on Tuesday and interacted with students, staff and parents.

“I came to know that some parents even assaulted the staff which is not proper. Since an inquiry has been ordered, action would be taken against those responsible for the girl students' haircut, after receiving the report,” the Collector told The New Indian Express.