The West Bengal education administration has enforced decisive disciplinary measures following a severe confrontation over a special midday meal at the historic Jalpaiguri Zilla School. Dharamchand Barui, the headmaster of the nearly 150-year-old state-run institution, has been transferred with immediate effect to a different school within the district. Education Minister Dipak Barman confirmed the administrative order, which followed a detailed inquiry conducted by the department alongside the district school inspector.
Dispute Over Food Portions Escalated During Teachers Day Feast
The disturbance originated on September 8 during a special meal organized for students to commemorate Teachers Day. Discontent arose when several students complained that the portions of rice and chicken served to them were inadequate. The disagreement quickly intensified into a heated argument between the pupils and the school administration, disrupting the event and creating significant unrest across the campus.
Allegations of Corporal Punishment and Retaliation on Campus
As tensions flared, allegations surfaced that headmaster Dharamchand Barui physically struck several students during the argument. According to eyewitnesses present at the scene, the confrontation escalated rapidly when an agitated group of pupils pursued the headmaster, pushed him to the ground, and assaulted him. A preliminary investigation conducted by the district school education authorities concluded that both sides shared culpability for the violent turn of events.
Education Minister Dipak Barman stated that the department initially directed Barui to proceed on a 15-day leave starting September 9, before transferring him to a school in Malbazar. Concurrently, strict disciplinary steps were taken against four Class 10 students identified as having participated in the physical assault on the educator. On September 11, the administration handed transfer certificates to all four students, barring them from continuing their education at Jalpaiguri Zilla School while allowing them to seek admission elsewhere. Barman had also inspected the 150-year-old school on September 11, holding direct discussions with institutional staff and education officials to assess administrative governance.
