A private educational institution in Bhayander, a suburb of Maharashtra, has come under scrutiny following reports that a student was penalized ₹50 for carrying home-cooked methi (fenugreek) bhaji in their tiffin. The incident at Tapovan Vidyalaya in Bhayander East has prompted the Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) to issue a show-cause notice to the school management.
Controversial Tiffin Policy Sparks Outcry
The controversy stems from the school's tiffin policy, which reportedly restricts certain vegetables, including root vegetables and some leafy greens. School authorities stated that these guidelines were implemented to accommodate the dietary preferences of its predominantly Jain student body, particularly during the Jain festival of Paryushan. The ₹50 charge, according to the school, was not a fee but a disciplinary measure for violating these established rules.
Civic Body Cites Student Rights
Following a complaint lodged by parents and a local activist, the MBMC's education department initiated an inquiry. Education Officer Sulabha Vatare confirmed the issuance of the show-cause notice, emphasizing that schools lack the authority to impose dietary restrictions on students or levy monetary penalties for food brought from home.
The MBMC's notice explicitly referenced students' fundamental rights, state government directives, and provisions under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. It warned of strict action should the school fail to provide a satisfactory explanation for its policy and the imposition of the fine.
School Pledges Policy Review
In response to the civic body's intervention, school authorities reportedly informed the MBMC that the tiffin guidelines had been communicated to parents at the beginning of the academic year. They maintained that the rules were intended to respect the religious and dietary sensitivities of the Jain community within the school.
While defending the intent behind their policy, the school indicated that it would review the guidelines in light of the notice from the Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation. The MBMC awaits the school's official reply before determining any further course of action.