Paradip: A video clip showing students cleaning the toilet of their school, ShreeMaa Nodal Vidyapitha, became viral on social media platform Thursday.
According to reports, the teachers have allegedly asked the students to clean the toilet ahead of the visit from education department officials Monday.
When contacted, headmaster Duryodhan Sethy said he was unaware of the incident.
Admitting that it is illegal to engage students in toilet cleaning work, he said he can respond only after talking to the teachers about the incident.
Some teachers on the condition of anonymity admitted that the authorities of at least 17 schools under Paradip municipality jurisdiction have been forcing students to clean toilets regularly.
“Many schools don’t have sweepers and peons. So who will do the cleaning job?” they asked.
When contacted, district education officer (DEC) Prativa Manjari Das said under no circumstances students should be engaged in such activities.
Action will be taken against those involved in the incident following a probe, she added.
When asked about the shortage of sweepers and peons in some schools, the DEO said funds are allocated to every school for such purpose.
The headmasters can use the school funds to hire sweepers and no official order is required in this regard, she further said.
PNN