Delhi Public School suspension row: Parents demand probe

Parents believe allegations and suspension of teachers have the potential to negatively impact children

Following recent developments at Delhi Public School (DPS) Nerul, concerning the suspension of teachers, parents of students currently enrolled at the school are demanding a thorough investigation into the matter and are seeking a dialogue with the school administration. They believe that the allegations and subsequent suspension of senior teachers have the potential to negatively impact their children's education.

Some parents have expressed concerns about the principal, who has been accused of indecent behaviour and threatening teachers, potentially posing a similar risk to their children. One parent stated, "The management is now misguiding the PTA members by telling them that suspended teachers are acting to garner sympathy. This is atrocious. These are the same teachers who accused the principal of making indecent remarks and behaving inappropriately in July. We need clarification on the issue."

Parents have formed a group on various social networking sites called ‘Support DPS Teachers' to garner support

Another parent warned, "If we do not receive a clear explanation, we will approach the police and file a complaint, as this will directly affect our children. We will also seek help from the former Principal and member of DPS society, Mohanty sir." While four teachers were suspended on October 20, a fifth teacher resigned shortly before the suspension orders were issued to the others. When contacted, one of the suspended teachers said, "Today they have suspended us, tomorrow they can also hand us a permanent termination letter."

The situation gained attention after a video depicting three senior teachers from DPS, Nerul, in tears after being denied entry to the school went viral on social media. In response, parents have united and formed a group on various social networking sites called ‘Support DPS Teachers' to garner support from parents and alumni. Their online petition on ‘Petition.in' has already collected 789 signatures by Friday evening, with expectations for more in the coming days.

The petition highlights their concerns, stating, "We believe that the management has removed key pillars of the school's educational foundation, whose invaluable experience has long benefited our children.

The sudden dismissal of such crucial staff in the middle of the academic year threatens students' educational continuity, rapport with teachers, and the overall learning environment. Given the serious implications of this decision on both academic progress and students' mental well-being, we implore the school's management for transparency. In light of these circumstances, we urge you to convene an Extraordinary General Body Meeting this week to address our concerns directly."

Many concerned parents have signed and commented on this online petition. Teena Sabharwal posted, "I am anxious about the school environment after the current instability. My children's future is at stake along with the reputation of the most reputed school in Navi Mumbai." Manisha Rawat another parent, said, "I am signing it because I am concerned for my kids' education since many senior teachers have been asked to leave the school on an immediate basis."

Irshan Peer Mohammed expressed his worry, saying, "The recent change of the Principal and the events happening in DPS with the change are disturbing with regards to the well-being of the kids and mental peace for us parents." Tarandeep Kaur wrote, "I am concerned about the environment that my child is growing in. I have been a DPS parent for more than 10 years but have never come across this kind of negativity in children and teachers."

The parents have organised a meeting to discuss and plan their next steps. They are forming a group to meet with the school administration on Monday. However, the planned protest for Friday morning had to be cancelled due to a lack of police permission. Some parents are also planning to approach the education department after their meeting with the school management on Monday. Principal Dr H S Vashishtha did not respond to calls or messages.