MAPUSA: Students and parents of St Thomas Higher Secondary, Aldona went on agitation on Friday against the sudden removal of the Principal and Manager that happened on Wednesday.
The students decided to boycott the classes as they were not happy with the removal of the principal in the middle of the academic year. Manager and principal had brought several changes in the institution and have been removed for no fault of theirs. The current Principal Fr Jerard Sahayaraj told Herald that the duo has been transferred by the Chairman of the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales (MSFS) based on various reasons.
“I was on leave since 2018 and have now come back to resume charge as Principal at the same time a new manager has been appointed. For the last one year the priest here was only the In-charge Principal,” said FrJerard.
An former student, Cosme Fernandes sought clarification on the removal of the principal and manager from the institution.
“They cannot suspend or transfer the duo since the matter is sub judice. The allegations made against them are not proven and overnight they have been released of their duties. They have neither been suspended nor transferred. Things were falling into place and they both were streamlining everything. They were also plans of setting up a college over there. This move is not at all justified,” said Cosme.
The manager, who has been relieved from the duty said that vague reasons were cited in the email they have received for their removal and they were not given a chance to give any clarification.
“Without taking us into confidence they have made this move in the middle of the academic year. We received an email stating that they are not with me and the Principal. We are not happy with the reasons cited and this is a public humiliation for us. Students are disappointed with this move and have demanded that we should be reinstated. They have to notify the education department and other procedures have not been followed,” added the manager.
