Stranded kids in Kukatpally offered below-par schools

HYDERABAD: Parents along with their children on Tuesday organised a candlelight protest in front of New Century Public School in Kukatpally, where two students were killed after a beam collapsed.

Some parents alleged that the 11 schools shortlisted by the school education department to shift the existing students of New Century Public School are of below-par. They said that the board should have opted for better schools.

"All the options they gave us are sub-standard schools. The board should re-analyse and give a fresh list so that our kids will get quality education," said S Raju, a parent, whose children are studying in Class 4 and Class 6.

Meanwhile, education department officials said they have received 30 applications, of which 24 are for seeking admission and six are from parents who have requested for a transfer certificate. "While we got five applications on Saturday, other applications have been received today (Tuesday). Of the 11 schools, 13 applications are for seeking admission in NRI Indian Springs school, 5 for New Era High School, four for Geetanjali High School and two for Chandra High School," said Anil Kumar, headmaster of Kukatpally Government School, who is the point of contact for parents to submit their requests.

He added, "Maximum 10 students will be admitted to a school. We are taking applications from parents and are allotting seats on first-come-first-serve basis. Higher officials will decide if many parents opt for same school."

Parents of injured children said they are not getting complete support from school management. They claimed that the school has only paid 1 lakh until now and they had to shell out the remaining amount for the treatment of their children.

Naresh, who is being treated for punctured lungs, abdominal injuries and internal bleeding, is still in intensive care unit and Nikhila, who suffered a skull fracture, has been shifted to normal ward.