Muzaffarnagar slapping incident: Government to cover the cost of the victim student’s education
Muzaffarnagar. The Muslim student who was victimized in the famous slapping incident in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh has got a big relief. Almost three years after the incident that took place in August 2023, the Uttar Pradesh government has released a sum of Rs 1 lakh 38 thousand for the student’s education and other educational needs. This budget, released in compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court, will provide for the student’s school fees, uniform, books, copies, stationery and expenses for traveling to and from school. With this decision of the government, the Basic Education Department and the school administration along with the student’s family are expected to get relief.
The government took steps following the instructions of the Supreme Court
This case of Muzaffarnagar came to light in the year 2023, when a video of a teacher in a private school getting a Muslim student slapped by other students went viral on social media. This incident sparked debate across the country regarding the education system, child safety and religious discrimination.
After the matter reached the Supreme Court, the court insisted on ensuring the education of the victim student. The court had directed the Uttar Pradesh government that the student’s education should not be affected under any circumstances. Besides, the responsibility of bearing the expenses of his fees, uniform, books and transportation was also told to be of the state government.
In May 2025, the Supreme Court had clarified that the primary responsibility for these expenses will remain with the state government until the student completes his school education.
Educational needs will be fulfilled with Rs 1.38 lakh
The amount of Rs 1 lakh 38 thousand released by the government will be spent on various needs related to the education of the students. This includes the annual school fees along with uniforms, socks, books, notebooks and other necessary study materials.
Apart from this, the expenses incurred by the students on daily commuting to school will also be arranged from this budget. According to officials, after receiving the funds, the process of paying the outstanding school fees is being started.
The Basic Education Department says that after receiving the special budget from the government, it will now become easier to complete the necessary arrangements for the students’ education.
Father travels about 40 kilometers every day
The victim student is currently studying in Sharden School of Muzaffarnagar city. His father rides his bike every day to drop him to school and bring him back home after school.
During this time he has to travel about 40 kilometers every day. Transport expenses at the rate of Rs 200 per school day are being provided by the Basic Education Department to cover the petrol and other needs incurred in commuting.
Now transportation expenses have also been included in the funds released by the government. This will help in reducing the financial burden on the family.
The trust had taken responsibility for the fees
Initially, the expenses related to the education of the students were being borne by the Basic Education Department at its own level. After this, Syed Murtaza Memorial Trust took over the responsibility of collecting the school fees of the student.
However, the problem arose due to the Trust not depositing the fees on time. This had created confusion regarding student fees and other educational arrangements.
To solve this problem, the Basic Education Officer had sent a letter to the Uttar Pradesh government demanding to provide a special budget.
Taking cognizance of the matter, the government sanctioned an amount of Rs 1.38 lakh. This will make it possible to pay the outstanding fees and other educational expenses of the student.
BSA gave information about receipt of funds
Muzaffarnagar Basic Education Officer Sandeep Kumar said that funds have been received from the government for the education, transportation and other needs of the students.
He informed that the fees are being sent to the school. Along with this, the student’s parents are being given transportation expenses at the rate of Rs 200 per school day.
According to the official, the expenditure on uniforms, stationery and other study materials has also been included in the budget received from the government.
The slapping scandal came to light in August 2023
This incident took place in August 2023 in a private school located in Khubbapur village of Muzaffarnagar district. The allegation was that teacher Tripta Tyagi had got the Muslim student slapped by other students of the class for not being able to recite Pahad.
After the video of this entire incident surfaced, there was outrage across the country. After the video went viral, a case was registered against the teacher.
Mahatma Gandhi’s great grandson Tushar Gandhi had filed a petition in the Supreme Court in the matter. After this, the court gave instructions to the state government regarding the student’s education and related arrangements.
Emphasis on not letting education get affected
In this case, the Supreme Court had given special importance to continuing the education of the victim child. The court’s stance was that the incident should not adversely affect the student’s future and studies.
The release of funds by the state government is being considered an important step towards compliance with these instructions.
The issue is not limited to payment of school fees but is also about ensuring dignity, safety and equal treatment of children in schools.
Important initiative for student’s future
The Muzaffarnagar slapping incident had raised many questions regarding the responsibility of educational institutions and the rights of children in the country. Now the financial arrangements made by the government for the student will help him to continue his studies.
However, the matter is still said to be under consideration in the Supreme Court. In such a situation, further judicial process