Teachers of demolished Kalyan school take to the streets

Teachers of demolished Kalyan school take to the streets

Authorities decide to hold classes outside after KDMC brings down 27-year-old civic school, affecting 300 students

Tecahers of a 27-year-old civic school in Kalyan have decided to protest the civic body's untimely move to demolish the institution, by holding classes outside the school.

A day after the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation started demolition work at the Anupam Shikshan Prasaran Samiti School - affecting over 300 students, who are currently in the middle of their exams - teachers camped outside the building on Friday morning and conducted regular classes.

The controversy over the school began a year ago, when the school management began repair work inside the premises. However, a few local activists alleged that the school management had carried out illegal repairs, following which a committee was formed to investigate the matter. After the inquiry committee substantiated the complaints, civic authorities demolished the illegal structure around 12 days ago. But, school authorities were in for a rude shock, when the civic body on Thursday started demolishing the original structure too.

Nirmala Singh, principal of the school, said, "We were only carrying out repair work following a KDMC's order to do so. But, a few activists complained to the KDMC that we were creating a new structure."

She added, "We had all the necessary paper work to support our stand. But, we were never given a chance to explain our side. Now that they have demolished the building, all our papers are under the debris. Who will take responsibility for this?"

Parents were most confused about the fiasco as they were completely unaware about the developments. According to parents, authorities should have waited until the academic year got over, so that the students' year wasn't wasted.

When contacted, KDMC commissioner E Ravindran did not respond to calls or messages. Ward officer Shantilal Rathod, who conducted the demolition activity, also refused to comment on the issue.