Idukki - St. Benedict's LP School in Sleevamala in Kerala's Idukki district finds itself at the center of controversy after a caste-based discriminatory incident involving a six-year-old SC student came to light. Despite complaints to the school principal and education department, no stringent action has been taken against the teacher responsible, leaving the child’s family and activists dismayed. The boy's mother gave a formal complaint at the local police station on Friday.

On November 13, Pranav Sijoy, a second-grade student, was subjected to humiliation and trauma when his class teacher, Maria Joseph, ordered him to clean the vomit of a sick classmate.

According to the boy’s mother, Priyanka Soman, the teacher initially instructed all students to cover the vomit with sand before resuming lessons. However, she later singled out Pranav, demanding that he clean the mess.

When Pranav hesitated, saying he would continue his lessons, the teacher sternly pointed at him and insisted he comply. She shouted at the poor child in front of the class. Frightened and in tears, the child reluctantly carried out the task while his peers watched. One of his classmates, Niket, offered to assist him, but the teacher dismissed the offer, making it clear that only Pranav was to clean up the mess.

Speaking to The Mooknayak, Priyanka recounted that her son did not reveal the incident immediately. " The next morning, Pranav cried and refused to attend school, saying he was afraid of being scolded again. Assuming this was due to poor performance in class, I reassured him and said that if he improved in his studies, the teacher would not scold him, I had no idea of what my little child was going through".

It was only a week later, on November 20, that Priyanka learned the full story. During a chance meeting with Niket’s mother on a bus, the two discussed the children’s health and school environment. Niket’s mother mentioned the vomiting incident and revealed that Pranav had been made to clean it up. Shocked and distraught, Priyanka immediately contacted the school principal.

Initially unaware of the incident, the principal promised to investigate. Later, the principal confirmed the incident and suggested issuing a warning to the teacher. She reportedly told Priyanka, this was the maximum action the management would take. Unsatisfied with this response, Priyanka lodged a written complaint with the Assistant Education Officer (AEO). However, the AEO staff explained that since St. Benedict’s is an aided school, their authority to act against the teacher was limited.

“The management seems indifferent to the gravity of the situation,” said Priyanka. “The principal merely suggested a warning, but this is outright caste discrimination. My child was humiliated in front of his classmates. How can such a teacher remain in the classroom?”

Priyanka, who works as a data entry operator and her husband, a mason, expressed concern over the long-term impact of this incident on their child. “Pranav is now afraid of attending school. We worry about how this will affect his confidence and education in the future,” Priyanka added.

Determined to seek justice for her son, Priyanka filed a formal complaint with the local police on Friday. She vowed to pursue the matter to ensure that no child has to face such discriminatory treatment again.

“This is a traumatic experience for a six-year-old,” she said. “The teacher had no right to force him into such a degrading act when the school employs cleaning staff for such tasks. This is sheer negligence and casteism.”

The incident has sparked outrage among activists and parents alike. Several community members have criticized the education department for failing to act decisively. They argue that the school’s inaction reflects systemic caste-based discrimination and negligence towards marginalized communities. They assert that there should be a proper enquiry into the matter. If the teacher is proven guilty, she should be dismissed. But the management is yet to respond despite the complaint.

" Many cases of caste violence against Dalit children in minority run educational institutions in Kerala go unreported due to the lack of grievance redressal mechanism and fear of harrasment by management. This case is just a tip of the iceberg," said Dr Rehna Raveendran, an anti caste activist and Assistant Professor, at the University of Delhi.

She further added, " The school is run by a Christian management, so called minority institution. There is no mechanism in place to curb the caste violence perpetrated by teachers against innocent children from marginalised sections in the school."

The Mooknayak attempted to contact the education department authorities for their comments on the incident but received no response. Additionally, a message was sent to the school’s principal, Susamma Joseph, to inquire about the actions taken regarding the complaint. This story will be updated as and when responses are received from either party.