DEHRADUN: Army Public School in Birpur area of Dehradun has rescinded a notice sent on Feb 1 barring students with less than 60% in pre-board exams from attending the school farewell. Officials said that after a complaint was made in the matter, the state child rights commission stepped in to intervene.
The notice, issued by the principal, was widely shared on social media.”When it was brought to our attention, we summoned the principal and demanded an explanation regarding the bizarre notice. They have now rescinded it, allowing all students to attend,” said the commission’s secretary, S K Barnwal. The commission also issued a warning to the school.
Sources said the school administration had verbally informed the students about a similar decision last year but this year, a formal notice was issued, allegedly in consultation with the parents.
Officials from the commission said that while verbal ultimatums might push students to perform better, a written notice of this nature is demoralising. “Student scoring low in pre-boards is not indicative of their overall academic performance. They can improve in board exams. Keeping them away from a once-a-term social event is both unfair and upsetting,” Barnwal added. The school could not be reached for comment despite multiple attempts by TOI.
Meanwhile, commenting on the issue, Arif Khan, president, National Association for Parents and Students rights, said, “Such a notice, days before a student’s board exams is very demotivating. It is bound to have an effect on their mental health. All students should have the experience of a farewell irrespective of their academic performances. It’s something they look forward to their entire school life.”
Check out the latest news about Delhi Elections 2025, including key constituencies such as Kalkaji, Karol Bagh, Tilak Nagar, New Delhi, Laxmi Nagar, Badarpur, Ghonda, Krishna Nagar, Model Town, Rithala, Trilokpuri, Najafgarh, and Matia Mahal.