Schools derecognition illegal

Updated on: Tuesday, July 19, 2011

The state minorities commission said the derecognition of St Mary’s High School was “absolutely illegal” and rapped the state government “for not conducting its own inquiry beforetaking a decision concerning the future of nearly 1,000 students”.

The three-member commission said the decision of the deputy director of education (DDE) to derecognise the school two months ago, is “contrary to facts and should be immediately cancelled”.

Following the DDE’s derecognition order, the school complained to the commission. Two hearings were held which were attended by Fr Baptist Pinto, principal of St Mary’s High School, Fr Fraser Mascarenhas of St Xavier College, two representatives of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and education department officials. The commission’s president, Mohamad Nasim Siddiqui, also visited the school and interviewed students and parents. The commission concluded that issues were raised with the intention to harass the school. One of the reasons for the de-recognition was that the laboratory and library were illequipped. It pointed out that the DDE could have directed the school to take necessary steps to improve it.

The commission observed that if facilities were lacking it did not reflect in the school’s good results. Education department officials should visit the school, guide authorities and help rectify mistakes, stated the commission, adding that the DDE should give its approval to the appointment of the school’s principal.

The commission noted that the crime branch (unit III) conducted an inquiry and found the school had not committed illegalities as it was being portrayed. It has directed that henceforth, no action be taken against the school. The school has been directed to spend funds collected for providing facilities to students.

The school told the commission that complaints against the school were made by Nana Kute Patil, father of a student who failed std IX and wanted the school to promote him and that the department took action against the school without taking the PTA into confidence. The school is run by the Jesuits and was established in 1932.

LEGAL POINT

• The commission is a quasi-judicial authority under an act of Parliament whereas DDE is an executive authority under a code.

• Both hold ‘coordinate jurisdiction’ over minority educational institutions. The commission’s order will have to be followed by the DDE.

Schools derecognition illegal

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