Supreme Court to Hear Plea on Child Safety in Schools After Recent Incidents
New Delhi, India – The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a plea on September 24, filed by the NGO ‘Bachpan Bachao Andolan’, which seeks the implementation of guidelines for the safety and security of children in educational institutes across the country. This decision comes in the wake of recent sexual assault incidents involving children in schools, including a tragic case in Badlapur, Maharashtra.
Background
Senior advocate HS Phoolka, representing the NGO, informed the court that only five states have implemented the Centre’s guidelines for child safety. The guidelines were developed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) in consultation with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
Pending Petition
The pending petition dates back to May 6, 2019, when the Supreme Court issued notices to the concerned respondents. The NGO argues that the safety of children is being compromised due to the failure of state and union territory governments to notify these guidelines.
Recent Incidents
The plea highlights a recent incident in Badlapur, Maharashtra, where two schoolgirls were allegedly raped by a staff member. The NGO claims that such incidents could have been prevented if the guidelines had been implemented.
Guidelines and Implementation
The guidelines, titled ‘Fixing the Accountability of School Management towards the Safety and Security of Children in School’, were prepared on August 20, 2018. Despite the development of additional guidelines in 2021, many states and union territories have yet to notify them.
Urgent Hearing
Advocate Jagjit Singh Chhabra, representing the petitioner, emphasized the urgency of the matter, citing numerous recent incidents that highlight the failure of school management to protect children.
Doubts Revealed
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes important decisions about laws and justice.
plea -: A plea is a request made to a court asking for a specific action or decision.
NGO -: NGO stands for Non-Governmental Organization. These are groups that work to help people and solve problems without being part of the government.
Bachpan Bachao Andolan -: Bachpan Bachao Andolan is an organization in India that works to protect children from exploitation and abuse.
guidelines -: Guidelines are rules or instructions that help people know what to do in certain situations.
sexual assault -: Sexual assault is when someone is forced to do something sexual without their consent. It is a very serious crime.
Badlapur, Maharashtra -: Badlapur is a town in the state of Maharashtra, India.
Ministry of Human Resource Development -: This is a part of the Indian government that looks after education and the development of people.
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights -: This is an organization in India that works to protect the rights and well-being of children.
