Anand Singh Government Girls’ Inter College in Almora has denied a 19-year-old student's request to attend classes following her marriage. Simran, a resident of Niyaz Ganj, had been a student at the institution since Class 8.
After her wedding on July 28, she returned to school but was barred from entering the classroom. The school administration cited policies against married students, arguing that allowing her to continue could disrupt the educational environment.
Principal Vijaya Pant explained to TOI, “It’s the first time that a married student wants to attend classes. The school’s regulations do not permit admission of married students since it would have an impact on other students. However, after considering her request, we told her that if higher authorities grant permission, she would be allowed to attend classes.”
Despite multiple appeals from Simran’s family, the administration remained resolute. On August 6, Simran escalated the issue by writing to Almora’s Chief Education Officer, Amba Balodi. In her letter, she pointed out the contradiction between the government’s “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” scheme and her denial of education. Balodi responded to TOI, stating that no existing rule prohibits married students from attending classes, thereby questioning the school’s adherence to educational policies and highlighting a potential policy misalignment.