The father of a nine-year-old girl who allegedly died by suicide at her school in Jaipur said on Wednesday that he was largely satisfied with the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) decision to cancel the affiliation of Neerja Modi School, but demanded that a case of abetment of suicide be registered against the school principal and some teachers.

CBSE on Tuesday withdrew the school’s affiliation, citing “gross violations” of student safety norms, following the death of the Class 4 student, who allegedly jumped from the fourth floor of the school on November 1.

The girl’s father, Vijay Meena, said a case should be lodged against the class teacher, subject teacher and the principal, alleging that they provoked his daughter and failed to ensure her safety. He said the school’s response amounted to a systemic failure, noting that the child had approached teachers multiple times shortly before her death but was ignored.

Meena also criticised the state government for not taking action against the school and urged the education department to terminate the school’s recognition for Classes 1 to 8, which fall under the state’s jurisdiction. He said parents had to pursue justice on their own and called for stricter laws on child safety in schools, periodic safety audits and public disclosure of audit reports.

Welcoming CBSE’s decision, Meena said the board had acted after due consideration and had advised shifting students of Classes 9 and 11 to other schools. He appealed to the chief minister and the education minister to take similar action for students up to Class 8 and ensure their transfer to nearby schools.

Meena alleged that his daughter faced bullying and that complaints raised with teachers were not addressed. He said the family had reviewed CCTV footage and had informed the school authorities earlier.

Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully termed the incident unfortunate and alleged that the state government attempted to suppress the matter. He questioned the government’s plan to prevent such incidents and said student stress required serious attention.

Parents’ Association spokesperson Abhishek Jain said CBSE had acted within its mandate and urged the state government to take action within its jurisdiction.

In its order, CBSE said the school was liable for the “severest” penalty and that students could not be allowed to study in an unsafe environment. A CBSE inquiry panel found several lapses, including persistent bullying and inaction by the class teacher, despite the child approaching her five times in the final 45 minutes of her life. The panel noted that the parents had first raised concerns with teachers in July 2024.

CBSE has withdrawn the school’s affiliation up to the senior secondary level with immediate effect. Students of Classes 10 and 12 will be allowed to appear for examinations from the same school in the 2025–26 session, while students currently in Classes 9 and 11 will be shifted to nearby schools for the 2026–27 session. The school has been barred from taking new admissions or promoting students to Classes 9 and 11.

Inputs from PTI

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