Criticism is mounting over the alleged decision to relocate tribal students from the APTWR residential school in Marikavalasa, Visakhapatnam, without obtaining the consent of their parents. Several people are demanding that the government immediately withdraw the decision, keeping in mind the future of the 480 tribal students studying at the school.
Students Allegedly Shifted Without Parents’ Consent
According to allegations, parents were contacted by phone from midnight on August 25 and informed about the decision following directions from the Coalition Government. It is further alleged that attempts were made in the early hours of August 26 to shift the students to another location in buses.
During the process, allegations have also emerged that students and their parents were intimidated in the presence of police and that their belongings were removed from the premises. Questions are being raised over the justification of taking such a crucial decision concerning the future of tribal students without holding discussions with their parents.
School Being Relocated for ‘Centre for Excellence’
Several people argue that relocating an existing tribal residential school to establish a Centre for Excellence is not a prudent decision. They point out that several government buildings and vacant spaces are available in Visakhapatnam that could potentially be used to establish a coaching centre.
If the objective is to provide entrance-exam coaching to intermediate students, alternative government buildings could be utilised, they say. Critics argue that sacrificing a school where 480 tribal students are currently studying cannot be considered an appropriate solution.
Demand to Continue Marikavalasa Tribal School
The Marikavalasa tribal residential school was established in 2004 with the objective of providing quality education to tribal students. Parents and others are demanding that the institution be allowed to continue functioning in its existing location.
Information suggests that parents of the students staged a protest at the ITDA office in Paderu, Alluri Sitharama Raju district, against the decision to relocate the school. They reportedly urged the authorities to restore the school without causing any disruption to their children’s education.
Parents Demand Government Intervention
Demands are growing for the state government to intervene immediately, keeping in mind the future of the 480 tribal students. Many are particularly urging Education Minister Nara Lokesh to respond to the issue and address the concerns and anxiety among students and their parents.
Viral Video Adds to Controversy
Meanwhile, a video circulating on social media has reportedly drawn attention to the issue. In the video, ITDA Project Officer Aditya Sharma is said to have spoken about the decision to remove the Marikavalasa government school being taken on the instructions of a minister.
There is also discussion on social media over claims that Minister Sandhyarani had directed the removal of a government school in Paderu, Alluri district. However, these claims and the contents of the viral video need to be officially verified.
Why Was the Tribal School Chosen?
A key question being raised is: Why should an existing school established to provide quality education to students from tribal communities be removed to accommodate another educational programme at the same location?
Critics are also questioning why the tribal residential school was selected when alternative government buildings and vacant spaces are reportedly available in the region.
The government is being asked to explain the rationale behind the decision and clarify whether all available alternatives were properly considered before deciding to relocate the school.
Demand to Reconsider the Decision
Parents and others are demanding that the Marikavalasa APTWR tribal residential school be allowed to continue in its existing location, taking into account the views and concerns of the students and their parents.
If necessary, they suggest establishing the Centre for Excellence at another suitable location rather than disrupting the education of 480 tribal students.
They maintain that it is the government’s responsibility to safeguard the educational future of tribal students and provide them with stability and security. Any decision that could adversely affect their education, they argue, should be immediately reviewed and reconsidered.
