Burdwan school refuses to admit cancer stricken student to class 12

A serious dispute has erupted between the guardians of a cancer-stricken student and the authorities of Maharani Adhirani Girls' School in Burdwan after the student was marked as a failure in the 11th-grade physical education exam. Despite informing the school in advance about the student's ongoing battle with blood cancer and her inability to attend the exam, the authorities have refused to make special arrangements for her. As a result, the student’s admission to the 12th grade is now uncertain.

The 11th-grade arts student has been undergoing regular treatment for blood cancer for over a year. As part of her treatment, she had to take medication on the day of the physical education practical exam, which led to her being too ill to attend. Her parents had informed the school well in advance about her medical condition and her inability to take the exam on that day. However, when they contacted the school to request a rescheduled exam, they were asked to provide proof of her illness. Despite submitting all necessary medical documents, no arrangement was made for a separate examination.

The student was ultimately marked as absent and declared a failure in the physical education subject. This decision has sparked outrage from the students' guardians, who feel that the school showed a lack of compassion and understanding. "The school authorities knew about her condition but did not make any alternative arrangements for her to take the exam," said the student's maternal uncle, Sheikh Ansar. "My niece had to take her medicine on the day of the exam and fell ill afterward, which made it impossible for her to attend."

When the guardians approached the school authorities, they were advised to contact the Higher Secondary Council for any further arrangements. However, when they reached out to the council, they were informed that the matter was within the school's purview. This confusion has left the student's future uncertain, as her failure in the physical education exam may jeopardize her admission to the 12th grade.

School principal Aparajita Sarkar clarified that the school could not make any special arrangements without instructions from the Higher Secondary Council. "Once the results are published, the school has no role in this matter," she said. "If the council directs us to arrange a special exam, we will follow those instructions."

The student's guardians are now facing an uphill battle to ensure that the school and board authorities consider her medical condition and allow her to continue her studies without losing an academic year. "My niece is fighting cancer with incredible mental strength, and losing a year would be devastating for her," said Sheikh Ansar. "We just want the school to show some compassion and give her a fair chance."