DAMMAM, 11 May — The department of foreign education at the Ministry of Education has asked all international Indian schools in the Kingdom to hold elections for each of its managing committees.
However, it has not said that June 13 is the deadline for these elections, as reported by a section of the Saudi media.
According to the chairman of the International Indian School in Dammam, Dr. S.V.R. Rao, the June 13 date was merely a suggestion.
“The dates are open and elections may be held any time, taking into consideration the needed preparations and school examinations,” he told Arab News.
The elections could be held between June 30 and July 4, when schools close for the summer break.
Before the election starts, the school — in consultation with the Indian Embassy and the Ministry of Education — will set up an election commission to supervise the polls. Parents will nominate candidates.
Parents are not happy with the election procedures suggested by the ministry. It was expected that the ministry would opt for a system of proportional representation for the Indian schools, because the results will otherwise create regional biases and prejudices. If elections were held under the existing rules, particular segments of the community from certain regions may in effect “take over” the whole of the managing committee.
“We are electing a committee for the welfare of our children, not to poison their minds,” said Abdullah Rizvi, a parent from Lucknow.
