NHRC asks Atunachal Pradesh Govt to pay Rs 5,000 each to 88 girls

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New Delhi : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recommended that the Government of Arunachal Pradesh pay Rs 5,000 each, as monetary relief, to the 88 girl students of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, District Papum Pare, Arunachal Pradesh, who were stripped off their dignity when forced to remove their clothes in front of the entire school as punishment by the three teachers, when none among them confessed having written vulgar words against the head teacher and another student on a piece of paper on November 23, 2017.

The Commission’s directions have come after the reports received from the State Government confirmed the incidents and informed that the act of three teachers had been found inhumane and cruel.  Their action on minor girl students was against the basic human dignity and decency. After an inquiry, the Education Department placed one teacher under suspension, while the two others were removed from the services. The matter was reported to police station and a case had been registered U/Ss 354 (b) of 34 IPC read with Section 21 (1) of POCSO Act. The three teachers were arrested and later on released on bail.  The affected girl students had been imparted emotional and psychological counseling, according to an NHRC release.

The State Government has also served a show cause to the Chairman, Arunachal Farmers’ Development Society, Sagalee, which is running the KGBV, seeking explanation why the MoU signed between the society with SSA, Rajya Mission, Itanagar, should not be terminated. It has also been directed that male Headmasters and teachers engaged in all KGBVs in the State be replaced immediately and it is also proposed to install cameras in the girls hostel.

The Union Ministry of Human Resource and Development has informed that a series of guidelines have been issued to the State Governments. These also include guidelines on the safety and security of girl students in the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas.

The NHRC has observed that the report from the Government of Arunachal Pradesh indicates that the State authorities concerned have failed in their responsibility to protect the Right to dignity of the 88 girls for which they are liable. The criminal proceedings initiated against the guilty teachers have been noted but the State Government should also pay a sum of Rs 5,000 each as monetary relief to the 88 girl students. It has also asked for a compliance report along with proof of payment within four weeks.

The Commission registered a case suo motu on the basis of a media report regarding the incident on December 1, 2017.  While issuing the notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, and the Secretary, Union Ministry of Human Resource Development, in the matter, the Commission had observed that the sordid act of the school teachers, as reported in the media, was indeed inexcusable.