Chandigarh: A case has come to light at RC-1 Government School in Maloya Village, Chandigarh, where children were made to sit outside the school gates in the morning. It is alleged that despite the school opening at 7 a.m., children were not allowed inside before 7:50 a.m. Upon learning of the incident, the Director of Public Education (DPE) has ordered an investigation.

It is reported that children arrive at school on time every morning, but are denied entry into the school premises. Young children, in their uniforms, sit outside the school gates, waiting for them to open.

Parents Express Anger Over Daily Delay

Several parents present outside the school expressed their displeasure without disclosing their names. They said that this problem isn’t a one-or-two-day issue, but a daily one. Children arrive at school on time in the morning, but the gates aren’t opened on time. Consequently, young children are forced to wait outside for long periods of time.

Parents reported that their families are involved in labor, factory work, cleaning, domestic work, and other private jobs. Many have to arrive at work early in the morning. Therefore, they drop their children off at school and immediately leave for work, but when they find the gates closed, they are left standing outside with their children. This is upsetting them.

They also said they were reluctant to speak out because they feared their children might be harassed at school if they complained. Therefore, most parents spoke anonymously.

Security Guard Claims Entry Allowed Only After 7:50 AM

The security guard posted at the school gate prevented the children from entering, stating that no student is allowed on the school premises before 7:50 a.m. According to the guard, this rule has been implemented by the school management and he has been instructed to perform his duties accordingly.

The guard explained that children are not allowed inside until the entire school staff and teachers arrive. He added that if an accident or mishap occurs to a child on the school premises before the staff arrives, it will be difficult to determine responsibility.

The guard also said that sometimes children arrive well before school opens, and in such cases, they are asked to wait outside. Several young children were seen sitting outside the school gate in their uniforms, while some parents also stood with their children.

When asked if there were any written orders to keep the children outside, the guard said he had received instructions from the school not to let any children in before the designated time. However, he added that he was simply following orders.

Principal Denies Issuing Such Instructions, DPE Seeks Report

Meanwhile, Principal Jitendra Agarwal said that the school gates are opened daily at 7 a.m., and children begin arriving shortly thereafter. He added that the school administration has not issued any instructions to stop children at the gate.

But no employee was given permission to make any children stand outside the school or prevent them from entering. He said that if children are indeed being stopped outside the gate, it is a serious matter and will be investigated. It will also be determined on whose instructions the security guards or other employees prevented the children from entering.

DPE sought report

After the matter reached Director of Public Education (DPE), Nitin Singla, he ordered an investigation. The DPE stated that the entire matter would be investigated and necessary action would be taken if negligence was found.