Kamal Kumar Biswas.TOD.Balurghat
Tensions flared at Patiram Girls’ Primary School in West Bengal’s South Dinajpur district after a group of parents staged a protest, locking the school gate over allegations of unauthorized fee collection.
According to the protesting guardians, the school’s head teacher, Rekha Barman, had demanded ₹100 per student in the name of examination fees. They further alleged that additional payments were being sought for various school-related expenses, placing a growing financial burden on families.Local sources said that Ms. Barman joined the school as head teacher in January last year, after which, parents claim, multiple issues began to surface. Allegations include repeated monetary demands under different pretexts, including ₹100 per student for question paper preparation and as much as ₹1,000 per guardian for unspecified school work.
One parent, Suparna Sarkar, claimed that fines were also imposed for non-attendance at guardian meetings. “We were told that if we failed to attend meetings, we would have to pay ₹200. Even the quality of the mid-day meal is not satisfactory. This is deeply concerning for a primary school,” she said.Another guardian, Mampi Chakraborty, echoed similar concerns, stating that repeated demands for money were being made in the name of school activities. Soma Roy, a parent, added that the continued financial pressure had forced some families to consider withdrawing their children from the school. “Four students have already taken transfer certificates and left,” she said.
Manasi Mondal Sarkar, who recently transferred her two children to another school, cited ongoing unrest and financial strain. “If we could afford it, we would have enrolled them in a private school. We had no choice but to move them,” she said.However, Ms. Barman denied the allegations, maintaining that the ₹100 fee was intended to cover the cost of three examinations conducted throughout the year and that no additional money had been requested. She also attributed the situation to a lack of cooperation from colleagues, alleging administrative and infrastructural challenges within the school.
She further claimed that misinformation was being spread among parents to malign her. “There are serious issues, including unpaid electricity bills and poor infrastructure. It is becoming increasingly difficult to manage,” she said.Responding to the incident, Mrinmoy Sarkar, the Sub-Inspector of Schools for the Balurghat East Circle, confirmed that he had been informed and would visit the school on Wednesday to investigate the matter.
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