CHENNAI: On Tuesday, officials announced that education authorities in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, have launched an investigation into a school headmaster and other staff. They allegedly forced schoolchildren to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s roadshow. The District Education Officer has directed the management of Sri Sai Baba Vidyalayam Aided Middle School to take severe action against them and submit a comprehensive report on the matter.
Chief Education Officer (CEO) M. Balamurali, addressing media persons, said: “We have initiated an investigation. Prior to the event, all schools were explicitly instructed to abstain from such practices.”
Many children were seen watching the show at various locations and some under the age of 14 were observed dressed as deities and others were wearing clothes bearing party symbols during the roadshow on Monday.
The Election Commission prohibits children from being used for any election-related campaign.
Students present at the roadshow said school authorities instructed them to gather at the Sai Baba Colony junction two hours before the event. This was close to the starting point of the roadshow, between Ganga Hospital on Mettupalayam Road and the Head Post Office in RS Puram.
Coimbatore District Collector Kranthi Kumar Pati, in a social media post, said: “We have taken cognisance of the issue and the ARO has sought reports from the respective departments. Suitable action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.”
Assistant Returning Officer P. Suresh told media persons that these practices violated the Model Code of Conduct and after the inquiry was completed, the report would be forwarded to the Election Commission of India officials.
Chief Education Officer (CEO) M. Balamurali, addressing media persons, said: “We have initiated an investigation. Prior to the event, all schools were explicitly instructed to abstain from such practices.”
Many children were seen watching the show at various locations and some under the age of 14 were observed dressed as deities and others were wearing clothes bearing party symbols during the roadshow on Monday.
The Election Commission prohibits children from being used for any election-related campaign.
Students present at the roadshow said school authorities instructed them to gather at the Sai Baba Colony junction two hours before the event. This was close to the starting point of the roadshow, between Ganga Hospital on Mettupalayam Road and the Head Post Office in RS Puram.
Coimbatore District Collector Kranthi Kumar Pati, in a social media post, said: “We have taken cognisance of the issue and the ARO has sought reports from the respective departments. Suitable action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.”
Assistant Returning Officer P. Suresh told media persons that these practices violated the Model Code of Conduct and after the inquiry was completed, the report would be forwarded to the Election Commission of India officials.