A government-aided school in Kerala’s Kollam district has come under controversy after serious allegations emerged that nearly 30 Muslim students were denied admission because of their religion.
The complaint has been filed against the headmistress of Dr. C.T. Eapen Memorial RHS School in Sasthamcotta village. Parents and local representatives have accused the headmistress of making discriminatory remarks against Muslim students seeking admission.
According to the complaint, the headmistress allegedly told parents, “Muslims are not allowed in this school,” and also said that “children who come dressed in white clothing will not be admitted.”
The matter has triggered widespread concern, with local residents and education activists demanding strict action.
Around 30 Students Allegedly Refused Admission
Reports said around 30 students, including children studying at a dars (Islamic learning centre) in Chakkuvalli, had approached the school for admission.
Complainants alleged that despite repeated requests from teachers and Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) representatives, the students were not admitted.
They further claimed that complaints submitted to the school management and the District Educational Officer (DEO) did not lead to any immediate action.
According to local reports, the school currently has only 63 students from Classes 5 to 10, and only one Muslim student is enrolled in the high school section.
Teachers reportedly said they had been working hard to increase student admissions because falling enrolment could result in the loss of teaching positions.
“The issue was that the children who came were Muslims. Even the clothes they wore were seen as a problem,” the PTA vice-president alleged.
Some teachers also claimed that the headmistress had shown similar behaviour on earlier occasions.
Kerala Education Minister Promises Action
Reacting to the allegations, Kerala Education Minister N. Shamsudheen said strict action would be taken if the complaint is found to be true.
“No one has the right to deny a child access to education,” he said.
Officials said an inquiry may be conducted into the allegations. If the accusations are confirmed, disciplinary action could be initiated against the headmistress or school management.
Under existing rules, the government can suspend officials, withhold grants, or even temporarily take over management if aided schools violate secular and educational norms.
Legal experts also noted that if any statement is found to promote religious hatred or discrimination, police may register a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Debate Over Religious Discrimination in Schools
The controversy has once again sparked debate around allegations of discrimination faced by Muslim students in educational institutions.
Last year, a Catholic school in Kochi faced criticism after reportedly preventing a Muslim student from entering while wearing a hijab. Earlier this year, another controversy emerged in Kollam when a headmistress was allegedly stopped from entering a school for wearing a churidar instead of a saree.
