Rape Of 3-Yr-Old: Pvt School In Line Of Fire

New Delhi: Delhi govt is considering taking over the management of a private school in Janakpuri after issuing a show-cause notice in connection with the alleged rape of a three-year-old student on campus.The directorate of education (DoE) served the notice on May 8, citing alleged violations related to child safety, inadequate supervision and non-compliance with statutory requirements.The department warned that if the west Delhi school failed to provide a satisfactory explanation, action could be initiated under the Delhi School Education Act and Rules (DSEAR), including withdrawal of recognition and takeover of the school’s management.The school authorities were asked to submit their reply to the notice within three days. However, DoE officials on Monday said no response had been received so far. It is now preparing to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the school over the alleged lapses on the part of the school administration, supervisory staff and management in ensuring the safety and security of its students.“According to a preliminary inquiry, the school has failed to maintain adequate surveillance and monitoring systems within the campus, including the absence or non-installation of CCTV cameras at critical and sensitive locations, in violation of child protection requirements,” the notice states.The department also noted that several complaints related to the school’s safety, administration and overall functioning allegedly remained unresolved for a considerable period.The alleged lapses amount to prima facie violations of DSEAR, including failure to ensure safety, welfare, discipline and proper management of the institution. The department further accused the management of gross negligence that endangered the physical and psychological safety of minor students.The notice raised concerns over the school allegedly operating its nursery and pre-primary classes from a separate private premises around one kilometre from the main recognised campus without approval from competent authorities. According to DoE, this may amount to violations of recognition conditions, land allotment norms of Delhi Development Authority (DDA), safety requirements and other statutory provisions.The notice asked the school to explain why its management should not be taken over under DSEAR provisions, why its recognition should not be withdrawn, and why DDA should not be asked to cancel the school’s land lease. The management was also directed to submit incident reports, CCTV details, staff records, safety compliance documents and approvals related to the separate premises by Monday, failing which strict action may follow.Officials said the three-year-old student’s mother approached Janakpuri police on May 1 with a complaint alleging that her daughter was sexually assaulted inside the school during class hours on April 30, just a day after she started attending classes. Police arrested a 57-year-old staffer of the school in connection with the case.