Telangana school issued show-cause notice for holding programme on student health, hygiene

Hyderabad: In a shocking development, Telangana School Education Department served show-cause notices to headmasters of Govt High School (GHS), Zilla Parishad High School (ZPHS), Telangana State Model Schools (TSMS) and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) in Chevella District.

In the show-cause notice, Ranga Reddy District Education Officer (DEO) had asked the concerned principals to explain taking their students out of school to attend an external event. The principals took the students for attending a programme on health and hygiene on November 26 at Veeraiah function hall without informing Mandal/District headquarters.

Former MP and senior Congress leader Konda Vishweshwar Reddy, who conducted the seminar for girls on hygiene, sexual abuse, and safety on November 26, expressed shock over the show cause notice.

Mr Reddy, on Wednesday, tweeted, “Absolutely shocked Unable to understand. 26th we conducted a program for girls on Hygiene, sexual abuse, Safety for girls. 27th got coverage & appreciation in media. 28th #Disha Rape & Muder. Now I came to know the govt. gave show cause notice to school principals for co-operating (sic).”

Speaking about the shocking development, the former MP told NewsMeter that he suspects political pressure. “On November 26 we organised an awareness programme alongside an organisation, where around 2,000 girl students participated. The programme dealt with subjects like menstrual hygiene, sexual abuse, gender equality, self-esteem, and safety. Unfortunately, on November 28, the rape and murder of Disha happened. Now, we came to know that the government had issued a show-cause notice to the school principals, seeking explanation on why they allowed students to participate in such an awareness programme. We suspect that the concerned officer issued the notice under the pressure of local minister and MP.”

He further added that if the government is unable to organise such programmes, then allow non-governmental organisations to do it. “There are situations where all political parties should get together and fight for a greater cause. Disha’s rape and murder was such a situation. It is unfortunate that instead of transcending politics and fighting for women’s safety, some members of the ruling party are stooping low, indulging in petty politics. The show-cause notice issued to the principals should be immediately withdrawn.”

When contacted, the Ranga Reddy District Education Officer (DEO) refused to comment on the issue.