His photos are trending on Facebook and his issue is being discussed on various social media platforms. However, the man on a hunger strike in Porvorim is still seeking justice after 35 days of protest.
Sitting under the scorching sun for over a month, Balkrishna’s skin is severely sun burnt. However, a parched throat and hunger pangs cannot stop him from emptying the sorrows of his pained heart.
If your daughters were traumatized, insulted and abused, wouldn’t you seek justice too? That’s exactly what 44-year-old Balkrishna Busa of Dona Paula is demanding since 2014.
Why is he on a hunger strike in Porvorim ?
Balkrishna alleges that his two daughters were victimized and harassed by a Headmistress of a particular school in Taleigao. They were studying at that school in 2014.
He says that the Headmistress used to inflict corporal punishment on his daughters. Also, she repeatedly asked them to clean the school toilets. In addition, the Headmistress used to collect fines of close to Rs 500 and Rs 1000 for minor mistakes and for forgetting to wear their school identification (ID) cards.
“My young daughters were abused with filthy language. Moreover, there were rebuked for being OBCs (Other Backward Class). Also, if they didn’t pay the fine, they were suspended,” says the father.
“My wife Geeta Busa has lodged several complaints. Inspite of several orders, no action is forthcoming against the Headmistress,” laments Balkrishna.
What happened before he went on a hunger strike in Porvorim ?
Panaji police on March 15, 2014 had registered a first information report (FIR) against the headmistress of the school for alleged mental and physical harassment of students in her school. In fact the complaint was lodged by six parents against the headmistress, reports ToI.
The Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights on August 26, 2014 in its final order had recommended the Directorate of Education to either initiate disciplinary action against the Headmistress or terminate her services, reports NT.
In addition, the eight member commission chaired by Samira Kazi had stated that “The school in-charge is liable for severe punishment for her unbecoming acts,” reports NT.
Several other orders and departmental enquiries have been conducted. Strangely enough, the headmistress remains untouched.
“She is politically connected. Hence she is not being pulled up,” scoffs Balkrishna.
Giving up his government job and construction contracts, Balkrishna has now dedicated his life to obtaining justice for his daughters.
“I will continue this protest for as long as I have to. Even if I have to die, I will die seeking justice,” says the aggrieved father, on protest outside the Directorate of Education since January 5, this year.
