DMK Moves Child Rights Panel Against Minister Keerthana Over School Visit Row
DMK MP Rajathi alias Salma has filed a complaint with the NCPCR against Tamil Nadu Minister S Keerthana over a government school visit row. The complaint alleges that a minor student was embarrassed during an English interaction and that the video was circulated without protecting the child’s identity.
Complaint Filed With NCPCR
DMK MP Rajathi, also known as Salma, has written to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights seeking action against Tamil Nadu Industries Minister S Keerthana over her visit to a government school in Virudhunagar district.
The complaint relates to an incident that reportedly took place on July 2 during Keerthana’s inspection of the Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Thiruthangal near Sivakasi.
Allegation Of Student Humiliation
In her complaint, Salma alleged that the minister publicly embarrassed a minor student during an interaction at the school. The issue reportedly began after the student was questioned about her English-language skills.
The DMK MP claimed that the minister’s remarks comparing the student with “last-benchers” raised concern among educationists, psychologists, and political leaders.
Concern Over Child’s Identity
The complaint also alleged that videos of the interaction were circulated on social media without masking the student’s identity.
Salma claimed that the circulation of the video amounted to an unauthorised disclosure of a minor’s identity. The complaint has urged the child rights body to examine whether the incident violated the dignity and privacy of the student.
Political Reactions Intensify
Former school education minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi criticised Keerthana over the incident and accused her of showing a negative attitude towards government schools.
He said government schools should be treated as a symbol of pride and not poverty. NTK chief coordinator Seeman also condemned the minister’s action and questioned why she inspected schools instead of visiting other urgent local issue sites.
Keerthana Denies Mocking Student
Responding to the criticism, Minister Keerthana said her intention was not to mock any student. She stated that she aimed to encourage Tamil-medium students to speak confidently on public platforms.
Keerthana also said the video was recorded by media persons and not by her team. She added that, as a former government Tamil-medium student herself, she understood the struggles students face while learning English.
Row Shifts To Child Rights Issue
The controversy has now moved beyond political criticism and turned into a child rights matter. The NCPCR has been asked to look into the complaint and decide whether further action is required.
The incident has also reopened discussions on how public officials should interact with students during school visits, especially when minors are involved.
