A controversy has erupted in Telangana following remarks made by an IAS officer regarding students cleaning toilets in state-run Gurukul schools. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has taken cognizance of the issue and has demanded a report from the Telangana government.

The controversy stems from an audio clip that went viral, purportedly featuring V.S. Alagu Varshini, Secretary of the Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TGSWREIS). In the clip, Varshini is allegedly heard instructing school principals to incorporate cleaning duties, including tidying toilets and hostel rooms, into the daily routines of students at welfare hostels and classrooms. She defended her stance by stating that the students come from poor backgrounds and should learn self-care skills. She questioned, "Why can't they clean their own toilets? What is wrong with it?". She also reportedly warned that parents objecting to the instruction would be issued a show-cause notice.

These remarks have drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Opposition party Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders have demanded Varshini's sacking, accusing her of discrimination against Dalit students, who constitute a significant portion of the student body in Gurukul schools. Former IPS officer and BRS leader, R.S. Praveen Kumar, stated that the IAS officer's attitude amounted to discrimination against Dalits. BRS MLC K. Kavitha criticized the IAS officer, calling the incident reflective of the Congress government's “anti-poor attitude.” She claimed that during BRS rule, each welfare school received Rs 40,000 monthly to hire four temporary cleaning staff—a practice discontinued by the Congress government. She alleged that the government had also removed assistant caretaker posts in 240 schools, thereby forcing students to act as wardens and manage kitchens.

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes has taken suo motu cognizance of the matter and issued notices to the Telangana Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, seeking an action-taken report within 15 days. The commission's intervention highlights the seriousness of the allegations and the potential implications for the rights and dignity of students from marginalized communities.

In response to the backlash, Varshini released another audio clip to the media, urging the public not to politicize the matter or take her comments out of context. She dismissed claims about the absence of sanitation staff as baseless and stated that children helping at home is part of everyday life that aids their development into responsible individuals. She also added that facilities have been improved for the benefit of the students.

The controversy raises several important questions about the role of students in maintaining school facilities, the potential for discrimination in assigning such tasks, and the broader issue of caste and class bias in educational institutions. Critics argue that assigning cleaning duties to students, particularly those from marginalized communities, perpetuates historical inequalities and undermines the purpose of Gurukul schools, which were established to provide quality education and protect students from caste and class-based discrimination.

The debate also touches upon the concept of "holistic education." Varshini has argued that involving students in cleaning and other chores promotes life skills and a sense of responsibility. However, opponents contend that such tasks should not come at the expense of academic pursuits and should not disproportionately burden students from disadvantaged backgrounds. They argue that holistic education should focus on intellectual, emotional, and social development, rather than assigning menial tasks that could be perceived as discriminatory.

As the National Commission for Scheduled Castes investigates the matter, it remains to be seen what actions will be taken and what impact this controversy will have on the policies and practices of welfare schools in Telangana. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing systemic inequalities and ensuring that all students have access to a safe, equitable, and dignified learning environment.