Christian minority school derecognised, principal decries 'vested interest'

A 150-year-old Christian minority school in Mumbai was derecognised by the education department citing violation of norms. The principal of the school however has decried charges levelled against his institution and said it was a politically motivated campaign by vested interests.

St Mary's High School in Mazgaon, Mumbai was on Tuesday derecognised by the deputy director of education who said the institution was found "deficient in 11 aspects".

Media reported that the school was issued a show-cause after it failed to provide explanations on its "wrongful appointment of the principal, manipulated exam results, the collection of Rs 1.43 crore in capitation fees, the lack of toilets and basic drinking water facilities".

"St Mary's School run by the Bombay St Mary's Society in Mazgaon has been deficient in almost all 11 aspects," the order from the education department read. Now that the school is being derecognised the future of nearly 959 students of the School's SSC section is at stake

The school's principal Fr Baptist Pinto in a statement said the "management of the school is being harassed by vested interests having political connections. The harassment unleashed is with a preconceived and pre-calculated motive."

"The Education Department nominated the seniormost teacher as Acting Principal. This was deliberately done with a motive to de-stablise the school. The Education Department, without notice to the school, lodged a complaint with the Economic Offence Wing of the Mumbai Police alleging that the school had illegally collected huge amounts and misappropriated them. The Economic Offence Wing, after detailed investigations, has concluded that the complaint is false and has closed the case," Fr Pinto explained.

He continued: "The Dy Director of Education, however, on the very same charge, with some other frivolous and flimsy grounds and without considering a detailed explanation supported by documentary evidence, has by an ex-parte order dated 24th May, 2011 de-recognised the St Mary's High School (SSC)."

"The order has been deliberately passed close to re-opening to jeopardize a recognised, private and minority educational institution of repute. The order is, on the face of it, unsustainable."

The management said it would soon appeal against the decision.