Wednesday, 11 DECEMBER 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The National Association for Parents and Students Rights (NAPSR) has sent a letter to the chief secretary and the director general of Education, urging action against pre-primary and playgroup schools operating across the State without proper standards and contrary to regulations. Stating this, NAPSR president Arif Khan said that Uttarakhand is recognised as an education hub, yet for some time, schools claiming to be playgroups and pre-primary institutions have been established in single and double-storey houses in residential areas, violating established rules. These schools lack essential facilities such as playgrounds and toilets, compromising children’s access to sunlight and proper ventilation. Khan expressed concern that, in the event of a disaster like a fire or earthquake, children in such places would be unable to escape quickly or safely, referencing the recent tragedy at a coaching centre in Gujarat.
He pointed out that regulations stipulate that children should be placed on the ground floor to prevent accidents. However, due to greed and focus on the profit motive, many of these institutions are being established without regard for safety, admitting children as young as one and a half years old for financial gain, Khan alleged. He further said that according to the National Education Policy, only four-year-olds are eligible for nursery admission and only three-year-olds should be admitted to play schools, as prescribed by the Uttarakhand government.
Khan stressed that these enterprises are not only robbing children of their early childhood experiences but also endangering their lives. He warned that any significant accidents involving children could occur in the future if the situation remains unaddressed. In light of these concerns, he has written to chief secretary Radha Raturi and the director general of Education, calling for immediate action against schools operating without adherence to rules and standards. He urged that legal actions be implemented against them to prevent any unpleasant incidents and to protect the childhood and lives of children.
