Lokayukta police to check safety in private schools
BENGALURU: The Lokayukta police will visit private schools in Bengaluru urban district to check if they are ensuring the safety and security of children in view of recently alleged sexual assaults on children. Though circulars were issued by the state authorities to ensure security in private schools, concerns were raised about non-implementation of the circular.
The Lokayukta police will visit 10 per cent of the total private schools in the urban district and submit a report to Lokayukta Justice P Vishwanatha Shetty on September 6, the next date of hearing.The Lokayukta registered a suo motu case as only a handful of private schools complied with the directions of the Education Department with regard to safety of students. The said officials were asked to take effective steps not only to submit the report, and also to implement the circulars/directions issued by the education department time to time to protect the safety and security of the students.
The Lokayukta said non-compliance of the directions will affect the right to life and liberty guaranteed to the students under Article 21 of the Constitution. “During school hours, a child is required to be under the care and protection of teachers, management and the school principal. While imparting quality education, the welfare of the children cannot be ignored by the management and teachers. It is an implied obligation to take care of students attending schools. The matter of safety and security of students cannot be treated lightly,” the Lokayukta said.