Tamil teacher transferred

Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, Jan 30 (UNI) In a shocking incident, a Tamil teacher prevented Dalit students from taking part in the Republic Day celebrations, only to be transferred by the District Collector.

A day after the incident in a Government middle school at Ambujavalli in Kattumannarkoil Taluk came to light, District Collector Rajendra Ratnoo ordered the transfer of Muthumalaiselvan, the Tamil teacher.

The transfer order followed an enquiry by local Tahisldar on a complaint of discriminatory treatment meted out to the Dalit students on January 26, when the nation celebrated its Republic.

In the enquiry, it was found that Mr Muthumalaiselvan had refused to accommodate the Dalit students in a dance programme on the ground that there were enough students. Whether he had denied them permission out of prejudice was yet to be established, official sources said.

Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), in its state committee meeeting held at Coimbatore, adopted a resolution alleging that the Tamil teacher, who is also the Assistant Headmaster of the School, denied permission to Dalit students from taking part in art, fancy dress, oratorical and dance competitions and other sports events in an act of prejudice.

Expressing concern over the prevalence of untouchability, CPI(M) state unit President N Varadarajan welcomed the action taken against the teacher by the district administration and demanded legal action against those, who were responsible.

UNI