PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The chairwoman of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR), Geeta Khanna said that she has sent a letter to all district magistrates across the State via the State’s chief secretary. In the letter, the SCPCR has sought information about all types of hostels, coaching centres, residential schools, homes and similar establishments in the districts where children congregate, live, learn or engage in play. Khanna said this in response to a recent incident wherein a warden allegedly assaulted and sexually abused two children with disabilities at a school hostel in Dehradun. She said that during a recent inspection of the school, it was discovered that the operator of the pre-preparatory school was illegally running a hostel for mentally challenged children on the first floor of a nearby rented building. The inspection revealed that the hostel was in a dilapidated condition and failed to meet safety standards or possess the necessary statutory permissions.
She further informed that the situation escalated when a single mother, having left her two mentally challenged children in the hostel, visited them. Upon leaving, both children reported that an attendant on night duty had sexually abused them. Following this serious allegation, the concerned mother lodged a complaint with the police, who took prompt action and arrested the accused, she said.
In light of this incident, she has sent a letter to all district magistrates to provide the details all information about all types of hostels, coaching institutes and others operating in their districts. She highlighted that this initiative aims to improve student safety and promote transparency concerning the qualifications and behavior of educators and staff members.
Additionally, Khanna commented on the appointment of special educators for children with disabilities in every school. She highlighted that during a recent Right To Education (RTE) workshop, she addressed the education department and the education minister concerning many schools that are not following established rules and norms. She further said that directives have been issued to the Education department to take action against those schools that fail to adhere to the regulations.
