PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) chairwoman Geeta Khanna has sought that mandatory police verification should be conducted for all employees working in schools, Ashrams, hostels and child care institutions across the State. She issued this direction to the officials concerned following a recent incident of alleged molestation of a student by a guest teacher in a government school in Chamoli district.
Expressing concern over the incident involving the alleged obscene behaviour of a teacher with a girl student in Chamoli, she stated that this raises serious questions about the safety arrangements for children. Such incidents cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. Considering this, the commission has asked the officials to provide the Action Taken Report regarding all actions taken by the police so far in the Chamoli incident. Additionally, it has been directed that all current and future employees must undergo a psychological evaluation to ensure a completely safe environment for the children, she said.
Further, the Chamoli district magistrate and the superintendent of police have been instructed to ensure immediate necessary actions in this case. Khanna also asked the officials concerned to promptly submit a report on all proceedings related to the incident to the commission. She emphasised that the safety of children remains the top priority for the State. SCPCR adheres to a zero-tolerance policy regarding such matters and any negligence will be treated seriously, she said.
