Cuttack, Sept 13: Parents and students of Nilamadhav Jew High School, located in Shasanpada within the Niali block of Cuttack district, staged a protest on Friday, locking the school gates and disrupting school operations. The protest was sparked by allegations that the school’s Sanskrit teacher had neglected her duties, leaving students unprepared for their upcoming matriculation exams.

According to the protestors, the Sanskrit teacher had not conducted a single class for an extended period, particularly in the months leading up to the exams. Parents and students gathered at the school, demanding immediate action from the authorities. The protesters surrounded the teacher inside the school premises, insisting that the matter be addressed swiftly.

One parent explained the situation, saying, “The Sanskrit teacher has not held a single class in the past two months. Our children’s exams are approaching, and they have learned nothing. We had raised this issue with the teacher earlier, and she promised to conduct classes, but nothing changed.”

Another parent added, “We have no personal grievances with the teacher. However, we demand accountability. If she had any issues, she should have addressed them with the school management. The classes should have been held as scheduled.” Parents emphasized that despite their repeated complaints, the school authorities had failed to take any corrective action.

Students, particularly those in Class 10, expressed growing anxiety about their incomplete syllabus. “The syllabus for our half-yearly exams is still incomplete. The board exams are just around the corner, and the teacher has repeatedly refused to hold classes, citing various reasons. We are at a loss,” said one student.

Others voiced concerns about their ability to perform well in the exams, with large portions of the Sanskrit curriculum left untaught and very little time left for revision.

However, Sanskrit teacher Gitanjali Sahu denied the allegations, asserting that she had been fulfilling her teaching responsibilities.

Despite the teacher’s defense, the protesters were firm in their demand for her removal. They locked the school gates, blocking both entry and exit, and staged a sit-in until their request was addressed. Parents argued that the teacher’s continued presence was jeopardizing the future of hundreds of students, and they made it clear they would not back down until she was replaced.

As a result of the protest, no classes could be conducted, bringing academic activities at the school to a complete standstill.