It can’t get more insensitive than this. The joy of a salary hike turned nasty for Satya Pal, a postman, whose 14-year-old son Vineet Kumar, who has been studying in Class XII at G D Goenka Public School, Vasant Kunj under the (Economically Weaker Section) scheme for nearly four years.
The child was allegedly thrown out of school as the authorities found Pal’s annual salary, (which had crossed Rs 1 lakh), no longer eligible to be considered under the EWS.
Although the school has decided to take the child back this year, with no fee, the fight for Satya Pal is still on. “I was really happy when my son got admission in such big school. But now they want me to pay them higher fees. Even if I got a salary hike, I’m still a postman. I want his education to be fee till XII or the school should decide a concession fee,” he says adding that he is not against the government’s rule, but expects some leniency and help from the school authorities.
Although, the family is happy their child is back in school, the decision has made Vineet anxious and restless. “I’m happy as well as nervous to go back and meet my friends. It was humiliating, when I was asked to leave. After that none of my friends contacted me and I doubt if they will talk to me when I go back. But, I’m happy about getting back to studies. I know everyone will ask me all kinds of questions,but I’m going to keep quiet.”
Although life in school was never about hardships or discrimination for Vineet, the fancy lifestyle of his classmates, sometimes bothered him. He shares, “In school, everyone was treated equally. Initially, I faced a problem in speaking English, but I gradually learnt it. But at times my friends’ expensive outings and lavish cars would make me feel awkward, as I was dropped by my father on a scooter. They would never call me to their birthday parties. I had a different group of friends in school and after it. ”
But these hitches were shortlived as Vineet’s dream to be a CID officer, made him concentrate on his studies. “I work hard in Maths and Physics and love watching detective shows.”
Although Vineet is ready to join school, experts and teachers say that such decisions should be weighed properly, as they can run a risk of causing acute mental trauma and discouragement to the child studying amid students who’re affluent.
Dr Deepak Gupta, Child and Adolescent expert, Shri Ganga Ram Hospital, says, “Before taking such decisions, the well-being of a child should be the school’s top-priority. And it’s even worse, when a child does not express his gratitude, which can harm his social stability in the long run. Such decisions require gradual and not a sudden transition.” Chetna Shrivastava, teacher, Springdales School, Dhaula Kuan, says, “We do not review the financial condition of children once they are admitted in the EWS category. It’s best to offer concession to the student according to the income of the family.”