KRISHNAGIRI: In a troubling episode that raised questions over access to education, three students were initially denied admission to Class 9 at the Government High School in Bettamugilalam panchayat due to poor performance in a screening test. The headmaster, however, agreed to admit them following a complaint to the 1098 child helpline.

The students, all belonging to caste Hindu families, had cleared Class 8 from nearby Panchayat Union Middle Schools — two from Bolkakollai and one from Siddhapuram. When they approached Bettamugilalam GHS for Class 9 admission, headmaster Madhu allegedly refused, citing their inability to read or write their names during the test.

One parent, the sole earner of her family, expressed distress over the rejection. “My son passed Class 8, and his education is crucial. But the headmaster said he wouldn’t be able to manage Class 10 exams,” she told TNIE.

Another guardian from Siddhapuram shared a similar experience involving his grandson. The matter was taken up by Jagannathan, in-charge headmaster of Bolkakollai PUMS, with the Block Resource Teacher Educator (BRTE), who urged the GHS headmaster to reconsider, stating the screening process is unjustified.

Chief Education Officer (in-charge) A Muniraj responded firmly, saying no child should be denied education due to performance fears. “Screening for admission is illegal. Bridge courses exist for academically weak students,” he said.

Bettamugilalam is home to many from the Irula tribal community, and the child protection team has now escalated the issue to higher authorities for follow-up.