Protest Demanding Transfer of Ottuschuttan Maha Vidyalaya Principal

A demonstration demanding the transfer of the principal of Ottuschuttan Maha Vidyalaya was staged this morning in front of the school.

 

The protest was organized by the School Development Society (SDS), the Old Students’ Association (OBA), parents, former students, and well-wishers.

 

Allegations Against the Principal The demonstrators accused the principal of mismanagement, financial irregularities, and corruption, claiming that his actions were causing a decline in students’ academic discipline and extracurricular activities.

 

They also alleged that he was responsible for administrative failures and misappropriation of school property, which severely impacted the institution’s progress.

 

Key allegations raised include:

 

• The principal allegedly orchestrated the transfer of 14 teachers without valid justification, seemingly as an act of personal vendetta.

 

• The number of teachers in the school has significantly declined from 83 to 63 since he assumed office, reportedly due to his irresponsible behavior and conflicts.

 

• A noticeable drop in the number of non-teaching staff, leading to a decline in the school’s overall maintenance and security.

 

• A lack of transparency in managing school funds and assets, including missing technical lab equipment, for which an investigation is underway.

 

• Ongoing financial fraud investigations against the principal.

 

• The failure to address the shortage of qualified teachers for key subjects, especially for Advanced Level students, resulting in classes being left unattended.

 

Despite multiple discussions between the SDS, OBA, and the principal, the latter allegedly ignored all resolutions and continued to act unilaterally, further deteriorating the school’s educational standards.

 

Authorities Yet to Take Action Parents and former students stated that they had repeatedly raised complaints with the Zonal Education Director, the Secretary of the Ministry of Education, the Deputy Director of National Schools, and other relevant authorities via in-person meetings, phone calls, and official letters.

 

However, no action had been taken so far. Following these complaints, the Provincial Education Ministry appointed an investigative committee, which reportedly filed preliminary findings confirming misconduct.

 

However, instead of transferring the principal, authorities kept him in his position, making the investigation appear superficial and ineffective, according to the protesters.

 

Protest and Submission of Petition During the protest, demonstrators carried placards with slogans such as:

 

• “Corrupt principal, leave the school!”

 

• “Do not ruin the future of our students!”

 

• “Where is the missing 1.7 million rupees from the development fund?”

 

• “Why is the provincial ministry silent on proven corruption?” Ottuschuttan Divisional Secretary Nishanthan and National People’s Power (NPP) District Organizer Indika visited the protest site and accepted a petition listing the demands of the demonstrators.

 

Copies of this petition will be sent to the Northern Provincial Council, the Governor’s Office, the Governor’s Grievance Network, the Northern Provincial Education Secretary, and the Presidential Secretariat via post.

 

A Growing Demand for Justice The protest saw significant participation from members of the School Development Society, parents, former students, and concerned citizens, all united in their demand for justice and immediate action against the principal.

 

They urged the authorities to conduct a fair investigation, hold the principal accountable, and implement measures to restore the school’s academic excellence.

 

With mounting pressure from the community, all eyes are now on the education authorities to see whether they will take decisive action or continue to ignore the growing crisis at Ottuschuttan Maha Vidyalaya.