SALEM: Parents of students studying at Holy Angels Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Salem have alleged that children are being compelled to raise Rs 1,000 each for the “Angelites Fiesta 2026” event at the school scheduled for Nov 22. School authorities have denied the allegation that they coerced the students, while district education officials have said they will investigate.
A parent whose two daughters attend the school said the family would have to pay Rs 2,000 if the tickets remained unsold.
“School officials suggested forgoing some planned Diwali expenses to pay for the tickets,” the parent alleged. School correspondent Sister Suchita and principal Sister Sherly Sebastian told TOI that the booklets had been distributed only to students who volunteered for the fundraising initiative. The raffle ticket booklets were given only to willing students,” they said. The school said information explaining the event and fundraising exercise had already been sent to parents through WhatsApp.
Several parents questioned the use of children to collect funds for a school event, saying the exercise had placed unnecessary pressure on students and families already facing educational and festival expenses. “We have not forced anyone to collect funds.