We give preference to Christians: Principals

Updated on: Thursday, June 30, 2011

The principals of the four Catholic schools that have been accused of misusing their minority status said they are being targeted unfairly by the government. They told TOI that they have followed every rule, and always give preference to the minority students they represent. "But we are helpless if the community is shrinking because of which fewer students apply under the quota," said principals, adding that their schools are no longer situated in Catholic-dominated areas.

Catholic schools in the island city—especially those in south Mumbai—find it difficult to fill up all their minority seats as most community members have shifted base to the suburbs and beyond. The fallout is that very few students apply under the quota. "How can schools be blamed for fewer students applying under the minority quota ?" asked a member of the minorities commission. "The recent census report said that the Christian community in south Mumbai has reduced over the years." He added that there has never been a case of a minority student being denied admission.

Carl Laurie, principal of Christ Church School (ICSE ), which was one of the schools named by the government, said : "We are not even an aided school. More than 70% of out students are from minorities. I don't understand on what basis the department will be issuing this show-cause notice." He added that the school always gives preference to students from the Catholic community. Only then are the remaining seats kept open for other candidates.

Holy Family School in Andheri (E), which has also come under the government scanner, has reacted strongly. "We have never differentiated between students on the basis of their caste, creed or community and have provided education to thousands of students. The minority status was granted by the government to help certain communities. It is out of our hands if only a limited number of students from the community we represent apply to our school," said principal Fr Francis Swamy.

Members of the minorities commission and educationists have criticized the minorities minister for making what the allege are "sweeping statements against reputed institutes without checking the rule book or verifying allegations". A management member of one of the targeted schools asked : "How can a minister make such a statement against us before even analyzing the situation and checking the facts ? We will wait for the show-cause notice and reply after we study the allegations made against us."

Times of India

We give preference to Christians: Principals

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