The Uttar Pradesh government has sanctioned ₹1.38 lakh to cover the educational expenses of a Muslim student who was subjected to a classroom slapping incident in Muzaffarnagar in 2023. The funds were approved nearly two and a half years after the incident, following directions from the Supreme Court.
The one-time allocation will cover the student’s outstanding school fees, uniforms, socks, stationery, textbooks, transport and other educational expenses, according to officials.
Government Takes Responsibility for Student’s Education
The incident took place at Neha Public School in Khubbapur village, Muzaffarnagar district, in 2023. The school’s principal had instructed another student to slap the Muslim boy. A video of the incident went viral on social media, triggering widespread criticism.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) subsequently took suo motu cognisance of media reports about the incident and issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government.
Following the incident, the student was admitted to Shardain School in Muzaffarnagar city. The admission was arranged by then Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) Shubham Shukla in compliance with a Supreme Court order.
Initially, the Basic Education Department covered the student’s educational expenses. The Syed Murtaza Memorial Trust later took responsibility for paying his school fees.
However, delays in fee payments by the trust reportedly created uncertainty over the continuation of the arrangement.
Special Budget Approved After Education Department’s Request
Basic Shiksha Adhikari Sandeep Kumar said the department had written to the state government requesting a special budget to meet the student’s educational needs.
“The government has now approved ₹1.38 lakh directly,” Kumar said, according to reports.
The funds will be used to clear outstanding school fees and provide uniforms, socks, stationery and other educational materials.
The allocation places responsibility for these expenses with the state government after the earlier arrangements involving the education department and the charitable trust faced difficulties.
Supreme Court Directions Follow 2023 Incident
The 2023 incident drew national attention after the video showed the child being slapped by classmates following the teacher’s instructions. The reported reference to the student’s religious identity also prompted concerns over discrimination and the treatment of children in schools.
The NHRC took up the matter after media reports highlighted the incident and sought a response from the state government.
