‘Govt schools used for unethical activities’: HC orders panel in districts

A division bench of Justice Ravindra V Ghuge and Justice YG Khobragade on July 21 was hearing application in suo motu PIL, raising concerns over the bad conditions of the schools across the state being operated by the local authorities such as Zilla Parishad, Panchayat Samiti, Municipal Council, Municipal Corporation.

Advocate Rashmi S Kulkarni, appointed as amicus curiae to assist the court in the case placed on record a news report related to a primary school from Aurangabad where electricity supply has been disconnected for more than 18 months. The photograph with the news report showed empty liquor bottles lying around the students who were sitting on the floor.

Kulkarni sought from the court to take “serious” note of the issue and constitute a committee in each district to inspect such schools and submit reports along with recommendations.

Additional government pleader SB Yawalkar said that it is doing its best to ensure schools are operated in most appropriate manner as per norms.

The bench found Kulkarni’s submission “justified” and observed, “Things have come to such a stage that it is imminent and necessary to form such committees, if the future of these young children is to be safeguarded and given the highest priority. If they are to be imparted proper education in proper surroundings, necessary steps will have to be taken…”

“If the structural conditions of the schools are dilapidated, it would not only involve physical risk to these students, but a congenial atmosphere for imparting education would be missing,” it added.

The bench directed formation of committees in each district chaired by PDJ or his/her nominee not below the rank of the district judge and comprising the nominee of district collector not below the rank of deputy collector and education officer (secondary) in Zilla Parishad as member secretary of the committee.

The committee will also consist of the district executive engineer of the public works department as he or she would have the expertise for evaluation of structural stability of such schools.

The superintendent of police (SP) of the district or the commissioner of police (CP) shall nominate a person not below the ranks of DSP or ACP as member of the committee.

The HC asked the chairpersons of the panels to commence their work immediately and start inspection of such civil and civic run schools and can video record the same. The bench will hear the PIL next on October 5.