A probe ordered that 80 girls of class 10 were asked to remove their shirts in a school in Jharkhand

A school in Jharkhand witnessed something that could not be expected from a children’s institution. The incident took place in Dhanbad, where the school principal ordered 80 girls of class 10 to remove their T-shirts for writing messages on them during the ‘Pen Day’ celebration. The girls were reportedly sent home wearing only their jackets, sparking outrage among parents and the community.

The incident took place on January 10, 2025, at a school under Jorapokhar police station.

Students, celebrating the last day before their board exams, wrote farewell messages on their T-shirts. However, the principal objected and allegedly instructed the girls to take off their shirts despite the apology.

PROBE ORDERED

Parents say the students were humiliated and forced to return home without shirts under their jackets, which left them disturbed.

The parents reported the matter to Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner (DC) Madhvi Mishra, who confirmed the seriousness of the allegations. “Guardians have made complaints and we have spoken to some of the students affected. A committee has been established to investigate this matter,” she added.

The study panel includes a divisional judge, a district education officer, a district welfare officer and a divisional police officer.

DC Mishra assured stringent action based on the findings of the investigation.

HUGE OUTRAGE REGISTERED BY PARENTS

Parents expressed concerns about their daughters’ mental health, citing shame and trauma caused by the incident. “Our daughters are already under pressure in board exams. This added unnecessary stress. What if one of them decided to take a drastic step? – asked the parent.

Jharia MLA Ragini Singh joined the parents’ complaint, terming the entire incident “shameful and unfortunate”. She demanded immediate action against the director, including her arrest and resignation.

During the investigation, the incident sparked widespread outrage and calls for better safeguards to ensure the dignity and mental health of students in educational institutions.

(With PTI inputs)