The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has taken cognisance of serious allegations of misconduct and denial of basic facilities made by Class 12 students of a government senior secondary school in Panipat against the school administration and sought detailed action taken reports from the authorities concerned. The order was passed by HHRC Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra on August 10 on a complaint signed by several students of Class 12 Section B, alleging violations of their dignity, safety and educational rights. The commission noted that photographs attached to the complaint prima facie showed poor infrastructural conditions at the school and lent support to some of the allegations raised by the students.
The students alleged that the school principal had subjected them to abusive, humiliating and degrading treatment, including the use of derogatory language and insulting names. They also accused the principal of threatening to strike their names off the school rolls and forcing them to remain outside the classroom.
According to the complaint, the classroom allotted to Class 12 B had remained locked for the past two to three months, forcing students to sit outside. The students alleged that there was no electricity in the classroom and exposed electrical wires were hanging from the ceiling, posing a safety hazard. They also complained about the absence of adequate desks and benches and alleged that they were not permitted to use fans even during extreme summer conditions.
The complaint further alleged that the school lacked adequate and functional toilets, forcing students, including girls, to relieve themselves in the open, affecting their dignity, privacy and health. Students also alleged that the principal was frequently absent during school hours and generally arrived between 10 am and 11 am. Questions were also raised over the alleged collection of money from students on the pretext of repairing the school's walls.
Justice Batra observed that if the allegations were found to be true, they would reveal a disturbing denial of basic educational facilities and violations of the dignity and rights of schoolchildren.
The commission said schools were expected to provide safe, inclusive and child-friendly environments in which students were treated with dignity, respect and equality. Verbal abuse, humiliation, intimidation and degrading treatment could damage children's self-esteem, mental health, emotional well-being and educational development, it observed.
Given the seriousness of the allegations, the commission has sought comprehensive action taken reports from multiple authorities.
The Director General of Secondary Education has been directed to have the matter investigated by a senior officer of the Directorate of Education. The Panipat District Education Officer has been asked to determine whether the allegations concerning abusive behaviour, humiliation and threats by the principal are correct.
The Panipat Deputy Commissioner has been asked to examine whether an independent fact-finding inquiry has been conducted and whether the district administration has taken measures to restore basic infrastructure and sanitation facilities at the school.
HHRC Assistant Registrar Puneet Arora said all the authorities concerned have been directed to submit their reports to the commission at least one week before the next hearing, scheduled for October 7.