CBSE Withdraws Affiliation of Neerja Modi School
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the immediate withdrawal of affiliation for Neerja Modi School, following the tragic death of a nine-year-old girl, Amaira Kumar. This decision comes two months after her death on November 1, 2025, when she fell from the school’s fourth-floor parapet.
CBSE’s action was prompted by extensive assessments of the school’s adherence to safety regulations and counselling protocols mandated under its affiliation bylaws. Officials emphasized that the horrifying incident raised serious concerns about child safety within the institution.
Background of the Case
The circumstances surrounding Amaira Kumar’s death have compelled the Board to act decisively against the school. Reports indicate that the environment at the school failed to meet safety standards designed to protect the students, highlighting a systemic issue that had gone unchecked. The Board stated that such violations represent a “complete failure” of the proper grievance redressal mechanisms that should have been in place.
Systemic Violations and Findings
Assessment from CBSE Committee
Post-incident evaluations conducted by a two-member CBSE fact-finding committee revealed significant deficiencies in the school’s approach to student safety. The committee underscored that the institution did not comply with essential safety norms that are critical in preventing such tragedies.
According to the CBSE order dated December 30, 2025, these failures included neglecting the need for adequate mental health support for students. The Board pointed out that preventive measures could have altered the tragic outcome of the situation.
Immediate Impact of Affiliation Withdrawal
As a result of this decision, Neerja Modi School will not be allowed to enroll new students, and current students in Classes IX and XI must transition to other institutions by March 31, 2026. However, students in Classes X and XII will be allowed to sit for their Board examinations as part of the 2025-26 session.
The Board’s orders stipulate that the school is prohibited from promoting lower-class students to IX and XI until such time as they rectify their compliance with child safety norms.
Future Implications for the School
Neerja Modi School has the option to apply for the restoration of its senior secondary affiliation in the 2027-28 academic year, provided that it demonstrates adherence to the mandated safety protocols. However, this application cannot be initiated until two academic years have elapsed post-violation.
The Rajasthan government also has jurisdiction over the recognition status of primary classes 1-8, with further instructions pending from the state’s director of secondary education.
Official Responses
In an official statement, CBSE highlighted, “A school is expected to be a safe haven for students…These violations strike at the very foundation of the affiliation and warrant strict and immediate action.” The emphasis on safety reflects increasingly stringent standards that educational institutions must meet.
The situation has sparked outrage among parents and educators, with many calling for increased supervision and regulatory measures to ensure student safety across all schools. This incident has heightened awareness about the importance of safeguarding children in educational environments.
Public Reactions and Community Response
Local communities are rallying to demand stricter regulations and better mental health resources in schools. Many parents have expressed their concerns about the safety protocols in place at educational institutions, urging government bodies to take decisive action to protect children and prevent future tragedies.
“It’s tragic that it takes such a devastating incident for us to seriously reconsider our safety standards in schools,” lamented one parent during a recent community gathering. “We need to ensure our children feel safe in their learning environment.”
Next Steps for Affected Students
The Regional Officer of CBSE in Ajmer will oversee the transition of affected students to nearby schools, ensuring that their education continues with minimal disruption. Parents are being actively informed about the process, and the CBSE has made provisions for the timely reassignment of these students, underscoring a commitment to their educational continuity.
As schools prepare for the upcoming academic year, discussions around comprehensive safety measures, including training staff in mental health and crisis prevention, are gaining traction across educational institutions statewide.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Amaira Kumar has left an indelible mark on the Neerja Modi School and the local community. The CBSE’s decisive action in withdrawing the school’s affiliation serves as a critical reminder of the responsibility schools have towards ensuring the safety and wellbeing of their students.
As the repercussions of this incident unfold, there remains a collective push for reform in child safety protocols across the educational landscape in India.