A Class 8 student at a government upper primary school in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri district has alleged caste-based discrimination by a teacher.
The student, identified as Krishna, belongs to the Valmiki community, which is listed as a Scheduled Caste. He has accused a woman teacher at Government Upper Primary School Patrasi in Nakaha block of allegedly stopping him from sitting in class and refusing to teach him.
According to the student’s account, the teacher allegedly told him to stay away from her. He also claimed that she said she would not remain in the school if he came to her class.
Krishna has said that his only “fault” was being born into the Valmiki community. He said the alleged treatment has affected his studies and morale.
Student Alleges Untouchability
The allegations have raised concerns over caste discrimination and untouchability in a government school.
People who have spoken about the matter have called for an impartial inquiry and action if the allegations are found to be true. They said such treatment could affect the child’s right to education and equality.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and there is no official confirmation available so far about the teacher’s response.
Call for Police and Education Department Probe
Ashmit Soni, media in charge of the Bharatiya Adivasi Party in Rajasthan, shared a video related to the allegations and tagged Uttar Pradesh Police, seeking an investigation.
Soni said discrimination should not be tolerated and referred to social media claims that the student was allegedly removed from the classroom after caste based remarks.
He urged the police to examine the matter and take strict action if the allegations are established.
There is currently no confirmed information about an FIR or a departmental inquiry into the allegations.
What the Law Says
Caste based discrimination against children in schools is prohibited under India’s constitutional framework and education laws.
The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, provides for a child’s right to education without discrimination. If an alleged act is found to amount to an offence against a Scheduled Caste student, provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act may also be considered, depending on the facts.
A formal inquiry by the education authorities and, where required, the police would be needed to establish what happened.
The priority, residents have said, should be to ensure that the student’s education is not disrupted while the allegations are investigated.
