Itanagar, Feb 24: The Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR) has reiterated that the safety, dignity and protection of children in educational institutions are non-negotiable, stressing that any violation of child rights will invite strict action under the law.
The assertion came during a review meeting held at the Civil Secretariat, Itanagar, to assess the Action Taken Report on the Commission’s recommendations in connection with a sexual offence case reported in July last year at Mount Carmel School, Asali Village, Lower Dibang Valley district.
The ghastly incident resulted in immediate closure of the school and the subsequent lynching of the accused by a mob. As per reports, a construction worker (a teenager) was accused of sexually assaulting and molesting several female students, some as young as 6 to 8 years old, at the school’s hostel. The incident came to light when some students complained of abdominal pain, and medical examinations confirmed signs of sexual assault.
The accused was arrested on July 10 after a FIR was registered under the POCSO Act and the very next day, an enraged mob stormed the Roing police station, dragged him out, and beat him to death.
Chairing the high-level meeting today, Education Commissioner Amjad Tak reviewed the steps initiated by the Education Department following earlier directives of APSCPCR. The Commission maintained that schools must function strictly within the framework of child protection norms and legal provisions, and that institutional accountability must be strengthened to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
Among the key actions highlighted was the issuance of an order for the permanent closure of Mount Carmel School. The department also decided to issue a Show Cause Notice to Goodwill Academy, Roing, for allegedly sharing its UDISE+ code with the Mount Carmel School in violation of norms under the Right to Education Act.
APSCPCR further urged the department to undertake a comprehensive verification drive across districts to detect any unauthorized sharing of UDISE+ codes and to curb the mushrooming of unrecognized institutions, particularly in the Capital Complex and other parts of the State.
The issue of prescribing a minimum age for admission of children as hostellers was discussed in detail. The Commissioner (Education) assured that the department would examine relevant norms and guidelines of the Govt of India and consider fixing the minimum age at not below six years, keeping in view the best interest of children.
The APSCPCR Chairperson emphasized that clear guidelines and strict compliance mechanisms must be put in place at the earliest to prevent recurrence of such incidents and to strengthen institutional accountability.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the rights of every child, APSCPCR stated that it will continue to closely monitor compliance and ensure that schools function strictly within the framework of the law and established child protection norms.
The meeting was attended by APSCPCR Chairperson Ratan Anya, Education Secretary Duly Kamduk and Deputy Secretary Mudo Nikhang Tamo, and Elementary Education Director Tani Talom and Deputy Director Minni Lego.