‘What do tribals know about taste of cashews almonds’:300 students enraged by Eklavya School Principal’s comment; jump hostel wall flee

A major commotion erupted early Saturday at the Eklavya Model Residential School in Rhatgaon, Harda district, when about 300 students jumped over the hostel wall and marched on foot to complain to the Collector. The students claimed that food quality has been poor for a long time and that they are threatened when they raise concerns. Before leaving, the students locked the staff and teachers’ residences from the outside. After walking about 8 km, Collector Siddharth Jain stopped them at Sodalpur on the National Highway. Collector listens to students’ grievances Collector sat on the road, listened to students’ grievances and after 90 minutes of counselling and assurance of an inquiry, the students were taken back to school by bus. See the pictures… MLA finds food water negligence MLA Abhijit Shah inspected the hostel kitchen and found several deficiencies. When checking the drinking water tank, tree roots and frogs were discovered. He called it serious negligence and demanded a high-level inquiry, stressing that students must receive clean water and proper food. The hostel is run under the Tribal Affairs Department. Students demand removal of Principal The students insisted on the removal of Principal Sonia Anand, accusing her of providing poor food and snacks and threatening expulsion if complaints are made. Some also alleged she mocked them, saying, “What do tribals know about the taste of cashews and almonds?” They marched while chanting slogans of “Down with Principal Sonia Anand.” Parent Committee to monitor food quality At Sodalpur, Collector Siddharth Jain, Joint Collector Satish Rai, and SDM Sanjeev Kumar Nagu spoke to the students. The Collector said a Parent Committee will be formed to monitor food quality weekly and check stock. A Contact Committee will also be created so students can directly approach the Collector or Tribal Affairs officials with complaints. Collector confirms multiple complaints against Principal Collector Siddharth Jain stated that the students’ anger mainly centres on food quality and the Principal’s conduct. He said he personally reached the spot, pacified the students, and sent them back. The matter will be investigated and necessary action taken.