Jaipur: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has cancelled the senior secondary affiliation of Neerja Modi School, Jaipur, with immediate effect following the tragic death of a Class 4 student. The decision comes after a detailed investigation revealed serious lapses in student safety and child protection mechanisms at the school.
Nine-year-old Amayra, a Class 4 student, died on 1 November after jumping from the fourth floor of the school building. Following the incident, CBSE constituted a fact-finding committee to probe the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
CBSE Investigation Reveals Serious Negligence
According to the committee’s report, the student had been facing continuous bullying at school. Her parents had raised concerns multiple times over the past one-and-a-half years, but the complaints were allegedly ignored by teachers and coordinators.
Shockingly, on the day of the incident, Amayra reportedly approached her class teacher five times in the last 45 minutes, seeking help — but no effective action was taken.
The report further stated that:
- The anti-bullying committee was inactive
- CCTV coverage was inadequate
- Safety measures like protective railings and safety nets were missing
- Counselling mechanisms were weak
- Student and staff ID protocols were poorly implemented
- Floor-wise staff deployment was insufficient
CBSE also raised serious concerns over forensic interference, stating that blood stains at the incident site were cleaned, potentially affecting the investigation.
Immediate Impact on School Operations
Following the cancellation of affiliation:
- The school cannot admit new students
- Students cannot be promoted to Classes 9 and 11
- Current Class 10 and 12 students may appear for board exams in 2025–26
- Students of Classes 9 and 11 will need to shift to other schools in the 2026–27 academic session
CBSE stated that the school may apply for restoration of secondary-level affiliation only after one academic year, provided it fully complies with all safety norms. Senior secondary affiliation can be considered only two years after that.
CBSE’s Stand
The Board stated that the school violated key clauses of the CBSE Affiliation Bye-Laws, including clauses 2.4, 4.7.6, and 4.7.10, all of which relate to student safety and welfare.
CBSE concluded that had proper safety protocols, counselling systems, and supervision been in place, the tragedy could have been prevented.
A Wake-Up Call for School Safety
The incident has triggered nationwide concern over student safety, bullying prevention, and accountability in private schools. The case serves as a strong reminder that child safety cannot be compromised under any circumstances.