Students safety: Karnataka High Court flays Govt, schools

Bengaluru: Expressing serious concern over safety of children in schools, following a series of sexual assault cases, the Karnataka High Court on Friday took the government authorities concerned and schools to task, while directing them to ensure the safety and security of students.

It also directed the authorities to take action, as per law, against those schools which have failed to implement the safety guidelines issued by the police.

The court stressed that schools have primary duty to take care of children from the time they leave for school till they reach home.

Hearing a batch of petition filed by private school managements and others, the court said if the education department and school managements do not take appropriate action, the court would intervene.

It further said that despite Supreme Court directions with regard to safety of students, several schools have failed to implement the guidelines.

While expressing dissatisfaction against education department and school managements over action taken so far, the court said, “If they don’t take the matter seriously, the court will intervene and initiate day-to-day monitoring.”

The judge said the court expects every government servant to take action against those who are inactive or have failed in discharging duties.

“Unless they live up to the expectations, there cannot be effective implementation.” It further directed for action against erring officials.
 
Illegal schools
The court also flayed the education department for not initiating steps to check mushrooming of illegal schools in the state.

“Why are you not taking action against unauthorised schools?” the judge asked, adding that had the education department acted, such incidents would not have taken place.

Taking note of politicians staging protest in front of the schools placards and posters of their respective political parties, the court observed that instead of just seeking photo opportunities they should thrive towards finding solutions for the incidents by discussing it with the school management.
 
Govt forms panel
Meanwhile the state informed the court that it has formed a 14 member committee headed by Additional Chief Secretary and comprising heads of several departments.

It further submitted that it is yet to convene for functioning of the committee and sought time to file a report on the issue.

The court, has suggested forming taluk level committees in respect of implementing safety guidelines and ward level committees in Bengaluru.

It has further directed the authorities to file an action taken report on these matters by December 5.