Delhi Violence: Schools Stop Students From Entering Without Uniforms

As violence spread across North-east Delhi in the last week of February, thousands of families lost their crucial documents, money and jewellery. Amidst this, young children lost their school uniforms, notes and books.

In reported instances from Khajuri Khas, Bhajanpura and other places, private schools apparently prevented students from accessing exam centres because they were not wearing their school uniforms. “My two children had an exam earlier this week in the private school nearby called Model Senior Secondary School, but they were not allowed to enter the premises,” says Sama* [name changed]. The reason, she says, is that they went to the school in their regular clothes and not the school’s prescribed uniform. 

“Despite what we are facing I want my children to get educated and have a bright future,” Sama says. “We tried to explain to the school administration that we have lost everything, how do we put our children in uniforms...” 

The residents of the riot-affected areas are currently awaiting relief for themselves and their children. Without assistance, these children will not be able to return to schools and appear in the exams, which are around the corner. “Private schools in this area follow a very strict protocol. Everything has to be in order in terms of the uniforms. If even one item is not, they send our children back home. After the violence, the children no longer had uniforms, but still they were denied entry. We were helpless in the situation,” says Rasheeda, a resident of Bhajanpura. 

As pressure from the community built up, schools allowed students to access the exam centres without uniforms. Locals told NewsClick that students are now being allowed in after their parents submitted a copy of the FIR they have lodged with the police regarding their houses being burned. 

“This is a major relief for us, but we are in dire need of books, uniforms and, most importantly, money to pay our children’s school fees,” says Sana, who has two school-going children. 

“With everything lost I am afraid I will have to take my children out of school,” she adds. 

“What we witnessed was a siege... My daughter’s 10th-grade certificate has turned to ashes. We have to begin a tedious documentation process to get it all back,” says Sana.  

The Aam Aadmi Party government has assured residents of easing their document processing and rehabilitation, but the task is proving tedious and difficult. 

Many are having to fill out complex forms along with their Aadhaar identity numbers to receive compensation. With their documents burned down, the residents will have to apply for fresh numbers, which will also take time to be processed. 

“My children are scared to even step outside. They they are confused by the sight of men in uniform patrolling our streets. They ask me if the men will protect them or beat them up. How do we parents answer such questions? How do we take the fear from their eyes,” says another resident. 

Across relief camps, students are huddled around colouring books, reading and painting, unaware of when they can return to school. 

Multiple organisations have initiated relief programmes to temporarily teach students and read out aloud to them so that they can be mentally occupied. The hope is that their trauma will subside if they are at least kept a little busy.