CBSE notice to Jaipur school after Class 4 student's death; parents allege 1.5 years of ignored complaints

Weeks after a Class 4 student died by jumping off from the fourth floor, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a show-cause notice to Neerja Modi School Jaipur over gross violations of affiliation by-laws and safety norms.

In a tragic incident, a nine-year old girl student in Class 4 jumped from the fourth floor of the school building on November 1. A two-member inspection committee, constituted by the Board, visited the school on November 3 and found inadequate physical infrastructure, mishandling of evidence, and failure to monitor the situation.

The spot where the student fell was unnecessarily washed, which was to be kept intact for forensic analysis, officials noted. The CCTV was not monitored, students and staff were not wearing ID cards, the report read.

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CBSE school ignored parents complaints

As per the statements given by the parents to the committee, the school did not take any preventive and proactive action on the repeated complaints of bullying and teasing by the classmates.

The report noted that both class teacher and school management was “very well aware” of the harassment and trauma of the Class 4 student.

Parents told the CBSE-appointed committee that Amaira had been facing bullying for over 1.5 years. Although her parents sent multiple documented complaints to teachers and coordinators, the issue was not addressed and “went unheard”. Incidents included being hit by classmates, shown inappropriate gestures, derogatory comments and public teasing.

The committee concluded: “It seems something unusual happened in class and she is looking extremely disturbed. Few hot discussions among students are also observed and it may be related to use of bad words and some derogatory comments as per parents observation and video footage..."

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Multiple violations of CBSE norms

The CBSE Board has flagged several lapses such as:

• Non-functional CCTV cameras despite claims of campus-wide coverage. The school failed to flag, spot, and stop the incident.
• Lack of anti-bullying committee. Parents reported bullying issues to teachers more than three times over 1.5 years, yet the anti-bullying committee never contacted the parents or intervened, showing complete “ignorance and neglect”.
• Absence of counsellors, failure to comply with POCSO Act.

The school, affiliated to CBSE until March 2029, has been given 30 days to respond to the notice, failing which its affiliation will be withdrawn.

“The reply of the school to this notice should reach the Board within 30 days from the date of issue of this notice; failing which it will be assumed that the school has nothing to represent in the matter and further action may be initiated by the Board as per rules,” it said.

If you know someone – friend or family member – at risk of suicide, please reach out to them. Those in distress or having suicidal thoughts or tendencies could seek help and counselling by calling 9820466726 or visiting AASRA’s official website or can call iCALL on 9152987821. Here are some more helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.