Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 11 (HBTV): A Dalit girl studying in Class 8 was allegedly subjected to caste-based discrimination after being barred from entering her classroom to write her annual examination due to menstruation. The incident occurred at Swamy Chidbhavananda Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Senguttaipalayam village, Coimbatore.

The girl, belonging to the Arunthathiyar community (classified under the Scheduled Castes), was made to sit on a staircase to take her examination on April 9.

Following the incident, Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi announced on Friday that the principal of the private school had been suspended after a departmental inquiry.

‘A departmental inquiry was conducted against the private school. The school principal has been suspended. The oppression of children in any form cannot be tolerated. Dear student, do not sit alone! We are here. We will be here,’ the minister posted on X.

The matter came to light after the student’s mother and a relative visited the school and found her writing her exam seated on the steps outside the classroom. When questioned, the girl remained silent, but her relative recorded a video of the situation, which later triggered public outrage.

When the mother confronted the school staff regarding the treatment, a teacher reportedly replied, ‘That's what happens here. If you want, enrol her in another school.’

Officials from the education department have urged Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to take immediate action in the matter.

(ANI)