Damoh: Day after, students allege rotis are thrown on platter

Bhopal: A day after dalit student paid with his life following refusal to drink water school from hand-pump, another incident of social discrimination at institute has come to light in Damoh district of backward Bundelkhand region.
When a team of government officials visited primary school of Khamaria Kalan in Tendukheda tehsil of the district for inquiry on Thursday, students alleged that chappatis are thrown on platter when mid-day meals are served to them in the institute.
After the shocker, officials promptly cancelled SHG contract for serving meals.
JC Jadia, chief executive officer of district panchayat Damoh told TOI, “I received such complaint and discontinued services of SHG serving food at primary school of Khamaria Kalan in Tendukheda tehsil.” But he hastened to add, “You cannot term the SHG act un-touchability.”
Veeran Ahirwar, who was a student of Class 3, had drowned in a well after access to tubewell water was denied to him. Sevak Ahirwar, brother of Veeran told officials, “When mid-day meals are served, rotis are dropped from a distance. Some time, chappatis fall on ground and we have to remove dust before we eat.” He said “We also have to wash our utensils.”
Other students belonging to scheduled caste also raised the issue of discrimination. They alleged that only two small rotis are served and many times they remain hungry. And after lunch they are not allowed to touch school hand-pump. Sevak alleged that after his brother fell into the well, he had sought help of teachers, but they refused. After Veeran’s death, Manish Bagri, CEO Janpad had suspended all teachers, including head master of the school. Police registered a case. Jadia said investigations were on and a report would be submitted to district administration.

Source: The Time of India