NNWN/New Delhi, 2018-07-03
National Human Rights Commission has recommended Arunachal Pradesh government to pay Rs. 5,000/- each, as monetary relief, to 88 girl students of the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, District Papum Pare, who were forced to remove their clothes in front of the entire school, as punishment by the three teachers. The incident happened in November 2017 as these girls had allegedly wrote vulgar words against the head teacher and another student on a piece of paper.
The Commission’s directions came after the state government confirmed the incidents and informed that the act of three teachers had been found inhumane and cruel. Their action on minor girl students was against the basic human dignity and decency. The state Education department had placed one teacher under suspension, while the two others were removed from the services. The matter was reported to the police station and a case was registered under relevant section of the POCSO Act. The three teachers were arrested and later on released on bail. The affected girl students had been imparted emotional and psychological counseling.
According to the Commission, the state government report confirmed the failure of the state government in protecting the Right to dignity of the 88 girls for which vicariously they are liable. The criminal proceedings initiated against the guilty teachers have been noted but the state government should also pay a sum of Rs. 5,000/- each as monetary relief to the 88 girl students. It has also asked for a compliance report along with proof of payment within four weeks.
Meanwhile, the State Government has served a show cause to the Chairman, Arunachal Farmers’ Development Society, Sagalee, which is running the KGBV, seeking explanation why the MoU signed between the society with SSA, Rajya Mission, Itanagar, should not be terminated. It has also been directed that male Headmasters and teachers engaged in all KGBVs in the State be replaced immediately and it is also proposed to install cameras in the girls hostel.
