Three students from a Panchayat Union Primary School (PUPS) near Shoolagiri were allegedly made to mop a classroom on Monday, triggering anger among parents and prompting calls for action against the headmistress.
A video clip that surfaced showed the children from U. Sinigiripalli PUPS cleaning the floor with a mop. This incident sparked backlash, with parents urging the School Education Department to take disciplinary action against headmistress Sailaja by Wednesday.
Responding to the controversy, Shoolagiri Block Education Officer George clarified that the school, which has 39 students, is managed by two School Management Committee (SMC)-appointed teachers and one headmistress. He explained that a BaLA (Building as Learning Aid) painting project was carried out the previous Friday, leading to paint spillage on the floor.
“On Monday, while the headmistress and an SMC teacher were mopping the paint, three students reportedly picked up the mop and began cleaning playfully when the staff stepped away. A parent captured this on video,” George said.
He added that an inquiry is underway and assured appropriate action would be taken based on findings.
Krishnagiri’s in-charge Chief Education Officer, A. Muniraj, supported the BEO’s statement and confirmed that further investigation is in progress.