Tamil Nadu Student Suicides: Coimbatore School asks parents to sign indemnity bond, sparks outrage

Tamil Nadu Student Suicides have seen an increase in the state. A private school in Coimbatore has come under the scanner by asking the parents and guardians of its students to sign an indemnity bond. This bond has sparked an outrage amongst parents and guardians.

The school in question – GRD Public School, has now come under the scanner of many parents and guardians who have raised questions regarding this circular that was sent to them. The event takes place after the ongoing protests and demonstrations in the state following the death of a 17-year-old girl in Kallakurichi district.

The school has issued an indemnity bond which, when signed, states that parents and guardians would not hold the school or management or staff responsible if their ward suffers any loss, injury or fatal injury while at campus.

“I undertake and agree that neither I nor my executor or administrators or other legal heirs, representatives will make any claim against the GRDPS or any person of the school, in respect of any loss or injury to property or the person (the minor student) including a fatal injury, which the said minor may suffer while in custody of the school. I understand and agree that no compensation will be paid by the school or any person or any employee of the school,” states the bond. The notice has been shared below for reference.

Following this, parents and guardians expressed their outrage. A member of the Private Schools Association told India Today that the issuing of this bond seems to have come after the events of the Kallakurichi riots. However, the bond comes at a time where safety of students in schools is a sensitive topic for all schools, parents and students.

Days after the Kallakurichi death, protests and demonstrations continue in the state as another Class 12th Student was found dead in the hostel of a private school in the Tiruvallur district, today, July 25, 2022. As per a report by Indian Express, the 17-year-old girl allegedly committed suicide and police investigations are underway.