SFI decries ‘political interference’ delaying SMC elections

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Leaders of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) on Wednesday expressed concern over postponement of School Management Committee (SMC) elections in some government schools due to political interference, arguments and clashes.

The federation’s State president P. Ramamohan and State secretary K. Prasanna Kumar stated in a release that the government should take seriously the disputes reported during the conduct of elections in various parts of the State, including Eluru.

They said the election in Santakavitti of Vizianagaram district was postponed following an argument between supporters of the TDP and YSRCP, while the election in Nellimarla was halted following a clash between TDP and Jana Sena groups.

Citing the case of the election at the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) in Vaddadi of Anakapalli district, which they said was postponed due to a dispute between political groups, the federation leaders strongly condemned the reported kidnapping of a headmaster in Thimmapuram village of Palnadu district.

Stating that SMCs should function for the development of schools and the resolution of students’ problems, rather than for political dominance, the SFI demanded that the elections be conducted in a transparent and impartial manner while protecting the participation of parents.

The leaders said the focus should be on providing basic infrastructure in schools, addressing the shortage of teachers and ensuring quality education and urged the authorities to ensure that there was no scope for political interference in schools.

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