The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has cancelled the affiliation of Neerja Modi School in Jaipur following the death of a nine-year-old student, Amaira, in November. The decision came after
a CBSE investigation found serious lapses in the school’s safety and student protection systems. Amaira died after jumping from the fourth floor of the school building.
Parents welcome CBSE decision
Amaira’s parents welcomed the CBSE’s action but urged the Rajasthan government to take firm steps as well. Speaking to CNN-News18, her father, Vijay Meena, said the family had expected action from the board.
“We are satisfied to some extent. CBSE has taken action in a proper manner,” he said. He added that the board had also made arrangements for students of Classes 9 and 11 following the cancellation of the school’s affiliation.
However, Meena questioned the role of the state government. “If CBSE can accept that the school is not safe for students from Class 9 to 12, then the state government must also take concrete steps,” he said, urging the Chief Minister and Education Minister to act. He said his daughter’s death was the result of bullying and described the incident as a “systematic failure” by the school.
Amaira’s mother, Shivani Meena, spoke about the distress her daughter faced before her death. She said Amaira used to share everything with her and that she had approached the school coordinator.
According to her, a male student bullied Amaira and spread a rumour after she greeted him. “We complained to the teacher, but she dismissed what my daughter said,” she said.
Lapses from the school’s side
Shivani Meena said there were many lapses by the school in the final moments before Amaira’s death. “In the last 15 minutes, what happened to her – she then jumped,” she said. She also said the school did not issue any condolence message and that no teacher contacted the family. “I need closure on what happened to my daughter in her last moments,” she added.
A two-member committee set up to investigate the case found “serious lapses and gross violations” in the school’s safety measures. The report said protective railings and CCTV coverage were inadequate and that child safety committees existed only on paper. It also noted that counselling systems were not working and students were not receiving proper support.
The committee flagged the cleaning of blood from the site as a serious obstruction to the forensic investigation. Parents and state education officials had earlier raised concerns about bullying and neglect at the school. Following Amaira’s death, several parents and community members held protests, demanding accountability and justice.
