In Basti district of Uttar Pradesh, a government-backed inter college has come under scrutiny after allegations that it has denied admission to girls for decades, citing the absence of a toilet facility. The District Inspector of Schools (DIOS) has issued a notice to the management, directing immediate compliance and warning of action if the order is ignored.
The case centres on Jhinku Lal Triveni Ram Chaudhary Intermediate College in the Kalwari area. Parents and local residents allege that girls have been kept out of the institution for nearly 67 years.
The stated reason, lack of a girls’ toilet, has been contested by villagers, who claim that such a facility already exists within the campus.
The issue drew attention after a parent arrived at the school carrying a toilet seat on his bicycle, urging authorities to admit his daughter. Witnesses said he appealed to the staff to accept the toilet seat if that resolved the stated concern, but his request was not accepted.
ALLEGATIONS OF DIVERSION TO PRIVATE COLLEGES
Residents allege that the denial of admission is linked to the interests of the school manager, who also runs a private intermediate college adjacent to the aided institution.
According to parents, girls are discouraged from enrolling in the government-aided school and are instead directed towards the private institution, where fees are significantly higher.
The aided college received recognition for co-education in 1957. It was later brought under government aid. Locals claim that the restriction on girls is not based on any official policy but on a decision enforced by the management.
They argue that the practice has limited access to education for girls from low-income families, some of whom have reportedly dropped out due to financial constraints.
Students in the area said several of their peers could not continue their studies after being denied admission. Social activists have termed the situation a violation of the right to education and have called for immediate intervention.
School principal Agyaram Chaudhary denied deliberate discrimination. He said the institution lacks adequate facilities, including a functional girls’ toilet and a boundary wall, raising safety concerns.
He added that between 2021 and 2022, around 60 to 70 girls were admitted, and claimed that no recent applications from girls had been received.
DIOS Sanjay Singh said the matter is serious and requires urgent action. He confirmed that a notice has been served to the school, instructing it to admit female students without delay. He added that failure to comply would invite departmental proceedings against both the principal and the management.
Officials said further inspection may be conducted to verify infrastructure claims and ensure compliance with education norms.
