A government primary school principal in Dehradun has been suspended after a shocking video surfaced showing young students filling potholes on the school campus. The incident took place on Monday at a school located in T Estate, Banjarawala area, and came to public attention after the video went viral on social media. In the footage, uniformed students can be seen carrying sand and gravel in trays on their heads and filling potholes with shovels, sparking widespread criticism and outrage.
I am writing about this incident because it reflects a serious breach of trust and ethics in the education system, where students—especially those in primary schools—are supposed to be nurtured and protected, not made to perform manual labour. Incidents like this not only expose administrative negligence but also raise questions about accountability and sensitivity among school authorities. It is crucial to discuss such issues openly so that the system takes corrective action and ensures that schools remain safe and respectful learning environments for children.
Suspension of the Principal
According to Dehradun District Education Officer (Basic), Premlal Bharti, the principal, Anju Mainaduli, has been suspended pending investigation. Bharti confirmed that the video clearly showed children engaging in work that violates both educational and child rights norms. He added that the principal has been directed to submit a written explanation within three days, detailing her version of the events.
Bharti also stated that the Block Education Officer (BEO) of the Raipur region has been instructed to conduct an inquiry and submit a detailed report on the matter. Immediate action will follow based on the findings of that report, he added.
Video Sparks Outrage and Departmental Action
The viral video shows several young children, all in school uniforms, performing physical labour on the school premises. They were seen filling trays with sand and gravel, then carrying them on their heads to fill potholes on the campus. The incident quickly spread across social media platforms, with parents, education activists, and the general public condemning the act as an example of child exploitation within an educational institution.
Officials from the School Education Department responded swiftly after the video gained traction online. The matter “caused a stir in the education department,” said an official, leading to immediate suspension of the principal and initiation of disciplinary proceedings.
Investigation Underway
The District Education Office has taken the incident seriously and has begun a formal investigation. The Raipur Block Education Officer has been tasked with visiting the school, recording statements from staff members, and verifying the authenticity of the video footage.
The investigation will also look into whether any other staff members were involved in directing the students to carry out the work. Department officials said that strict action would be taken against anyone found responsible for allowing or encouraging such behaviour.
Child Rights and Legal Implications
Under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, no child can be made to perform manual labour or any activity that distracts from academic learning during school hours. Making children do such physical work not only violates educational laws but can also attract penalties under child protection and labour laws.
Education experts and child rights advocates have pointed out that such incidents show the need for stronger monitoring and grievance redressal mechanisms in schools. They have urged the education department to ensure that teachers and administrators receive training on child safety and ethics, especially in government-run schools.
Public and Parental Reactions
Parents and local residents expressed their anger after seeing the video. “Children go to school to study, not to work. This is unacceptable,” said one parent from the Banjarawala area. Many called for a transparent investigation and demanded that the principal face strict disciplinary action to set an example.
Social media users also criticised the incident, tagging education authorities and the Uttarakhand government to take swift action. Several users said that such actions harm the image of government schools and discourage parents from enrolling their children in them.
Department’s Response and Reforms
District Education Officer Premlal Bharti assured that the education department does not tolerate such incidents and that disciplinary action will be taken swiftly. He said, “Our first priority is the welfare and dignity of students. Any act that compromises that will be dealt with seriously.”
He also added that the department plans to issue fresh circulars and awareness drives among teachers and principals to ensure that they understand their duties and legal obligations regarding child safety and labour laws.
Additionally, the department may consider increasing monitoring visits to schools in the district to prevent such violations in the future.
