PNS | DEHRADUN
The State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) chairwoman Geeta Khanna stated that during her three-year tenure, she has observed that coaching centres and pre-primary schools are taking advantage of children in the State.
Addressing the media here on Monday, Khanna said that she has completed three years as the SCPCR chief focussing on educating children, parents and others about the commission’s role in the State. The commission has made efforts to raise awareness among children about their rights and relevant laws. Through various inspections, Khanna has noted the exploitation of children by coaching centres and pre-primary schools. The pre-primary schools provide entry to children aged 1.5 or two years old, contrary to the guidelines in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which requires children to be at least three years old before admission, she said.
Speaking about the progress made by the commission in addressing issues faced by children in the State, Khanna said that the commission received a total of 702 complaints, including those received before her tenure. Out of these, 370 complaints related to children have been resolved by the commission, while the remaining 332 are still being processed. She further stated that the commission has conducted inspections at various schools, facilities for children and other relevant sites. If any unacceptable activities were discovered, appropriate action would have been taken at that time, she averred. Khanna also added that she has organised several workshops on child rights, child welfare and how individuals can reach out to the commission for assistance.
She also commended the efforts of the newly appointed district magistrate Savin Bansal for his recent interventions in addressing child-related issues in Dehradun, such as child labour and child beggary. Additionally, she stressed the importance of children and parents approaching the commission without any hesitation regarding any concerns related to children.
Schools can’t withhold TC or refrain students from appearing in exam
DEHRADUN: The State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) chairwoman Geeta Khanna emphasised that schools cannot refuse to provide Transfer Certificates (TCs) or prevent students from giving exams as per the norms. She stated that schools do not have the authority to deny the students access to TCs or exams under any circumstances. If parents fail to pay fees, it is a matter between the school and the parents and children should not be affected. Any school found engaging in such practices will face consequences from the commission. She also noted a decrease in the enrollment of children in government schools in the State, with parents opting for private schools instead. She further said that the SCPCR has conducted various workshops related to children in accordance with the National State Commission for Child Rights (NCPCR) guidelines. Considering this, only one workshop remains and the commission is in the process of conducting a workshop on the Right to Education (RTE), which is expected to be held soon.
