District panels to inquire into child abuse in Delhi schools  

In a bid to protect the rights of children and ensuring a safe and secure learning in schools the Delhi Government’s Education Department has set up special committees in each district which will inquire into all cases such as sexual exploitation, corporal punishment, child abuse and acts leading to insult humiliation, physical and mental injury to children. The decision was taken after the Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit ordered an inquiry into the stripping of a seven-year-old girl by her schoolteacher for not doing her homework last week.  In a Press note issued by Directorate of Education on Tuesday, said the committee shall comprise of a chairperson and four other members. The deputy director of the district shall be the chairperson of the committee and at least half the members shall be women. Wherever necessary, the Education Voluntary Group Counsellors (EVGC) may be co-opted as members. Deputy Directors may choose the remaining members not below the rank of principal/vice-principal. The Press note states that the committee will inquire into, and take necessary action in all incidents including corporal punishment reported from any Government, Government aided or unaided school. The committee shall also take suo moto cognisance of such incidents appearing in the media or brought to its notice from any other source. This committee will submit its action taken report to the Education Department within three days of occurrence of the incident.  (Source: The Pioneer, October 3, 2007)