AP HC directs AP government to protect girls in welfare hostels
By : Sampat G. Samritan
Update: 2024-11-16 20:36 GMT
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh High Court has directed Andhra Pradesh government to formulate guidelines to protect girls staying in welfare hostels of the state.
A single judge bench of justice N. Harinath issued the directive while hearing a petition filed by K. Sankaraiah, who worked at the AP Social Welfare Residential School in Gutti. Sankaraiah had in February 2014 challenged an order suspending him from service on charges of misconduct.
Delivering his verdict recently, the judge expressed concern over lack of protection to girl students in social welfare hostels of the state. He directed the state government to come up with a set of guidelines and implement them strictly.
Justice Harinath observed that teachers and principals must take the responsibility of ensuring the safety of girls in residential schools. He pointed out that if staff members behave indecently with girls, their parents will start fearing about their safety and even avoid admitting them into welfare schools for pursuing education.
The judge issued a set of guidelines, like construction of a compound wall, erecting solar fencing around the hostel building, installing CCTV cameras at the entrance, corridors and common areas in the hostel, and keeping a watch on entry and exit of visitors into the hostel premises by maintaining a register. He underlined that the cameras should be installed in such a that they protect the privacy of students.
Justice Harinath said there must be a security check of staff members. Psychologists should be available to girl students for helping them overcome their personal issues.
He directed that security norms be implemented in social welfare hostels as per the standards of National Commission for Child Protection. He called for proper implementation and awareness of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. He suggested holding of workshops for teaching self-defence to girls.
Petitioner Sankaraiah hails from B. Pappuru village of Narapala mandal in Anantapur district. He worked as a cook and watchman at the AP Social Welfare Residential School at Gutti from 1986. On July 24, 2011, he misbehaved with a girl student. After an inquiry, Sankaraiah had been placed under suspension on September 2, 2011. On April 11, 2013, authorities dismissed him from service. He filed a petition in February 2014 challenging his dismissal.
Delivering his verdict recently, the judge expressed concern over lack of protection to girl students in social welfare hostels of the state. He directed the state government to come up with a set of guidelines and implement them strictly.
Justice Harinath observed that teachers and principals must take the responsibility of ensuring the safety of girls in residential schools. He pointed out that if staff members behave indecently with girls, their parents will start fearing about their safety and even avoid admitting them into welfare schools for pursuing education.
The judge issued a set of guidelines, like construction of a compound wall, erecting solar fencing around the hostel building, installing CCTV cameras at the entrance, corridors and common areas in the hostel, and keeping a watch on entry and exit of visitors into the hostel premises by maintaining a register. He underlined that the cameras should be installed in such a that they protect the privacy of students.
Justice Harinath said there must be a security check of staff members. Psychologists should be available to girl students for helping them overcome their personal issues.
He directed that security norms be implemented in social welfare hostels as per the standards of National Commission for Child Protection. He called for proper implementation and awareness of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. He suggested holding of workshops for teaching self-defence to girls.
Petitioner Sankaraiah hails from B. Pappuru village of Narapala mandal in Anantapur district. He worked as a cook and watchman at the AP Social Welfare Residential School at Gutti from 1986. On July 24, 2011, he misbehaved with a girl student. After an inquiry, Sankaraiah had been placed under suspension on September 2, 2011. On April 11, 2013, authorities dismissed him from service. He filed a petition in February 2014 challenging his dismissal.