A case of alleged negligence has emerged from Shri Gayatri Vidyapeeth Higher Secondary School in Bhikangaon, Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh, as 23 students face uncertainty regarding their academic year. The school completed examination forms for both Class 10 and Class 12 students but failed to deposit the necessary examination fees with the state’s Board of Secondary Education on time. Consequently, ten Class 12 students were unable to sit for their first English board examination. The matter surfaced just prior to the exam, leading to protests by parents outside the school.

Protests Erupt Over Fee Payment Discrepancies

Hundreds of individuals gathered and blocked a nearby highway, demanding accountability from the school management. The protests continued late into the night, reflecting the parents’ frustrations over the situation. Students reported that they were notified about the fee issue merely a day before the examination. Piyush Dilaware, one of the affected students, expressed concern that missing the English exam could severely impact his academic year, stating that if additional opportunities are not provided, his year would effectively be wasted.

Student Appeals and Parental Concerns

Uzma Khan, another Class 12 student preparing for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), voiced her disappointment, indicating that she had dedicated significant effort throughout the year. She urged the Board to grant permission for affected students to appear in the remaining examinations. Parents of the affected students expressed anger, clarifying that they had paid all required fees to the school in a timely manner. One parent highlighted that despite having completed all payments months in advance, their daughter, a biology student, was unable to take the English paper.

Official Statements and Future Steps

District Education Officer Shailendra Kanude confirmed that the school did not submit the examination fees for the 23 students by the deadline, leading to the Board’s refusal to accept the late payments. In light of this situation, the district administration has contacted the Secretary of the Board of Secondary Education, seeking special permission for students to participate in the remaining examinations. Additionally, a recommendation has been made to revoke the school’s recognition.

School’s Late Fee Submission and Its Implications

Reports indicate that the management of the school subsequently submitted a challan for approximately Rs 3.73 lakh; however, this occurred after the English examination had already taken place. The focus now shifts to the decision of the Board, as it will determine whether the 23 affected students can continue their academic pursuits this year or face significant setbacks due to what officials have termed a procedural lapse.