The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) issued a show-cause notice to Neerja Modi School Jaipur following the death of a Class 4 student. Nine-year-old Amaira died on November 1 after falling from the school’s fourth floor. The notice cites gross violations of affiliation by-laws and safety norms. Parents of the deceased student allege the school ignored their complaints of bullying for over 1.5 years.
CBSE Inspection Reveals Violations
A two-member CBSE inspection committee visited the school on November 3 . Their findings revealed significant lapses. The committee reported inadequate physical infrastructure and mishandling of evidence at the site. Officials noted the spot where Amaira fell was unnecessarily washed, compromising potential forensic analysis. The school’s CCTV system remained unmonitored. Additionally, students and staff were not wearing required identification cards.
Long-Term Bullying Allegations
Parents provided statements to the CBSE committee, detailing persistent bullying Amaira faced. They stated the school failed to take preventive action on repeated complaints. Amaira endured bullying and teasing from classmates for over 1.5 years. Parents sent multiple documented complaints to teachers and coordinators, but the issues remained unaddressed. Incidents included Amaira being hit by classmates, shown inappropriate gestures, and subjected to derogatory comments and public teasing.
The committee’s report stated both Amaira’s class teacher and school management were “very well aware” of the harassment and trauma she experienced.
Committee’s Observations on Incident Day
The inspection committee’s conclusion suggested unusual activity in the classroom prior to Amaira’s death. The report noted, “It seems something unusual happened in class and she is looking extremely disturbed.” The committee also observed “few hot discussions among students” in video footage, which parents believed might relate to “bad words and some derogatory comments.”
Key Lapses Flagged by CBSE
The CBSE notice highlighted several specific violations of its norms:
- Non-functional CCTV Cameras: The school claimed campus-wide CCTV coverage, but cameras were non-functional. The school failed to detect, identify, or prevent the incident.
- Absence of Anti-Bullying Committee: Despite parents reporting bullying issues to teachers more than three times over 1.5 years, no anti-bullying committee contacted the parents or intervened. This demonstrated complete “ignorance and neglect.”
- Lack of Counsellors: The school did not have counsellors available.
- Non-Compliance with POCSO Act: The school failed to comply with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
School Faces Affiliation Withdrawal
Neerja Modi School’s affiliation with CBSE is currently valid until March 2029 . However, the school now has 30 days to respond to the show-cause notice. Failure to submit a response within this timeframe will result in the Board assuming the school has no defense. Further action, including the potential withdrawal of its affiliation, will then be initiated by the CBSE as per its rules.
Support Resources
Individuals experiencing distress, suicidal thoughts, or tendencies can seek immediate help and counselling. Resources include:
- AASRA: Call 9820466726 or visitaasra.info.
- iCALL: Call 9152987821.
- Additional suicide prevention helplines are available throughFindahelpline.com.