Manju, 13, did not attend school for almost two years during the closures and lockdown brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Unable to afford the school fee, her father, a factory worker, decided to withdraw her from the private school this year and admit her to a government school. But the private school management is demanding the outstanding dues for two years before issuing her the Transfer Certificate.
“Manju had been attending this private school before lockdown. For two years, the school remained almost shut. Now when I went to school seeking the Transfer Certificate for her, the school demanded pending dues of ₹20,000 and an additional ₹2,000 for the TC. My financial situation has deteriorated after the lockdown and my wages are delayed by two-three months. I cannot afford to send her to the private school or pay the remaining dues to get the TC. She has now dropped out,” said Ramanand, the girl’s father.
He demanded that the government must come to the rescue of poor migrant families like his to help their children get admission in government schools and continue their studies.
