Thu Dec 26 18:30:17 UTC 2024: ## Chennai School Faces Caste Discrimination Accusations
**CHENNAI, December 27, 2024** – Four Scheduled Caste (SC) students from PCKG Government Higher Secondary School in Kodambakkam, Chennai, have accused two teachers of casteist slurs, discrimination, and physical assault. A viral video shows one student detailing how physical education teacher Srinivasan and Class X teacher Meenakshi allegedly barred him from class, verbally abused him, and even removed his shirt and watch during a purported search. Seven other SC students have made similar allegations.
The incident reportedly led four students to withdraw from school for three months. Parents claim the teachers’ seniority, exceeding ten years at the school, has prevented disciplinary action. This mirrors concerns raised in the Justice K. Chandru Committee report, which recommended periodic teacher transfers and mandatory orientation programs on social issues and caste discrimination to combat such incidents.
Following a petition to the School Education Department, police, and the National and State Commissions for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the four students have been reinstated. However, no action has been taken against the accused teachers, despite a preliminary inquiry launched on December 13th. Social activist T.N. Kubendran demands the teachers’ transfer and appropriate treatment for the affected students. The incident highlights the ongoing struggle against caste-based discrimination in educational institutions, even after recommendations for reform.
First Piper 