6-year-old Dalit student in Kerala forced to clean classmate's vomit!

Idukki: A second-standard Dalit student at Sleevamala LP School near Udumbanchola in Kerala’s Idukki, has reportedly been forced to clean up a classmate’s vomit by a teacher. The child's mother has filed a formal complaint against the teacher, claiming unfair treatment.

On November 13, a classmate of the student vomited in class due to fever and physical discomfort. The teacher initially asked the students to cover the vomit with sand. Later, the teacher directed the six-and-a-half-year-old Dalit student to clean it up alone. Despite refusing and saying he would stay seated and continue writing, the teacher allegedly became furious and forced him to do the task. Another classmate offered to help, but the teacher stopped them.

Complaint and school's response

The student did not immediately inform the school about the incident. However, the next day, the parents, upon learning about it from a classmate of the student, reported the matter to the head teacher. The school issued a warning to the teacher but took no further action. Upset with the school's response, the parents filed a police complaint.

Idukki’s Deputy Director of Education, S. Shaji, said that the complaint has been forwarded to the District Collector for further action. The head teacher has been summoned to appear before the Collector as well.

The AEO office stated that, as it is an aided school, their authority to take action against the teacher is limited.