Jharkhand’s Dhanbad Principal Pen Day Celebration in School Controversy 2025: In a distressing incident from Jharkhand’s Dhanbad district, the principal of a private school has come under scrutiny for allegedly forcing 80 Class 10 girls to remove their shirts after a ‘Pen Day’ celebration. The students were reportedly sent home wearing only their blazers over their undergarments. This incident has sparked outrage among parents and the community, prompting a thorough investigation by the local administration.
The controversy arose after the students completed their examinations and celebrated ‘Pen Day’ by writing messages on each other’s shirts, a common practice among students. However, the principal reportedly objected to this celebration, leading to the drastic action that has now become the subject of a formal inquiry.
Details of the Incident and Initial Response
The incident occurred at a prestigious school in Digwadih, under the jurisdiction of the Jorapokhar police station, on Friday. According to Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner (DC) Madhvi Mishra, parents of the affected students lodged formal complaints after learning about the principal’s actions. The girls had been celebrating the end of their exams by writing on each other’s shirts, a tradition typically associated with camaraderie and a farewell to school life.
Despite the students’ apologies for their actions, the principal, who is a woman, allegedly ordered them to remove their shirts, leaving them in their blazers only. The parents, outraged by this decision, approached the DC’s office to voice their concerns.
“Several guardians lodged complaints against the principal. We also talked to some of the victim girls. The administration has taken the matter seriously. A committee has been set up to investigate the matter,” said DC Madhvi Mishra.
Investigation and Potential Actions
In response to the incident, a committee has been formed to investigate the matter comprehensively. The committee comprises the sub-divisional magistrate, district education officer, district social welfare officer, and the sub-divisional police officer. The probe aims to gather all the facts surrounding the event and determine the appropriate course of action based on their findings.
The Deputy Commissioner assured that action would be taken based on the committee’s report. As of now, the principal has not commented on the allegations, despite repeated attempts to reach her for a statement.
Community Reactions and Wider Implications
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, including local political figures. Jharia MLA Ragini Singh accompanied the parents to the DC’s office and expressed her dismay at the situation. “This incident is shameful and unfortunate,” Singh remarked, underscoring the broader societal outrage.
This episode raises serious questions about the disciplinary practices in schools and the psychological impact such actions could have on students. The inquiry will likely explore not just the immediate events but also the school’s policies on student conduct and the appropriateness of the principal’s response.
The community awaits the findings of the investigation, which will determine the next steps in addressing this controversial and sensitive issue.
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