Skill development for registered job seekers is a scheme launched by the state department of Labour. The protestors questioned such programmes being held inside the campus within the school hours. The students gheraoed the vehicle of Labour Minister Anadi Sahu, who was among the chief guests of the event. They also tore off the posters and broke panels of the programme.

Collins Institute, a Christian minority institution under the Methodist church, began operations as a school and presently also hosts management classes held by private agencies. Teachers said such classes posed a problem for the students, as these occupy 75 per cent of the classrooms, library and hall. The Methodist Church has also been accused of hosting other activities in the school for earning revenue.

“Last week they had closed down the school for a MBA programme. This cannot go on in a school. Presence of policemen and Rapid Action Force inside the school affects psyche of tender children, “said Chitra Rakshit, whose son studies in Class V. Heavy security was deployed in the school today following the visit of the Labour Minister.

“Our students do not get enough space, while the management students roam around during school hours, which affects ambience of the school,” said Sukumar Ray, a teacher.

“This is a school for children but the management is conducting MBA classes. They held today’s programme without informing the students and did not even allow the students to do their morning prayer,” said Subhash Maity.

“Guardians, ex-students and teachers are against such programmes,” said Surojit Sen, member of Collins Bachao, a protest group against the management.