Coimbatore : In a deeply distressing case of gender insensitivity and possible caste bias, a Class VIII Dalit student was allegedly made to write her annual examination outside the classroom at a private school in Senguttaipalayam, Coimbatore, simply because she was menstruating.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, sparked widespread outrage after a video of the girl sitting on the steps with her exam paper went viral on social media platforms.
Following public backlash, officials from the education department initiated a probe into the matter. Palanisamy, Director of Matriculation Schools, informed The New Indian Express that a show-cause notice had been issued to the school. He said district educational officers were directed to prevent similar incidents by circulating necessary instructions to all schools.
Chief Educational Officer R. Balamurali and District Educational Officer for private institutions, Punitha Anthonyammal, visited the school for an inquiry. Assistant Superintendent of Police Shristi Singh is also reportedly investigating the matter.
State Minister V. Senthilbalaji assured the media that appropriate action would be taken based on the investigation.
The girl’s father revealed that his daughter had recently attained puberty and missed school initially. However, due to scheduled exams, she decided to attend. The family had informed the class teachers and requested a separate desk for her comfort. Despite this, the school failed to make any arrangements and forced her to sit on the steps for two and a half hours, resulting in severe leg pain.
On returning for another exam on Wednesday, she was again made to sit outside a different classroom. When the family raised concerns, the school allegedly dismissed it casually, saying, “Is this a big problem?”
Though the family did not initially label it caste discrimination, the incident has drawn criticism over the treatment of menstruating girls and the larger issue of caste and gender insensitivity in schools.
A separate video shows the girl’s distressed mother confronting the school authorities. The girl can be heard saying it was the Principal who instructed her to sit outside.
This is not an isolated case. In January, a similar incident was reported in Uttar Pradesh where a Class 11 student was allegedly asked to leave the examination hall after requesting a sanitary napkin.
