Chhattisgarh High Court Intervenes in Alleged Forced Labor of RTE Students
The Chhattisgarh High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of disturbing news reports alleging that students enrolled under the Right to Education (RTE) Act were compelled to undertake construction and painting work at a government school in Surajpur district. The court's intervention underscores the gravity of the allegations, which have sparked widespread concern over child welfare and educational rights.
Court Directs Immediate Action and Personal Affidavit
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal referenced reports published in Times of India with the headline 'RTE students do construction work: Govt school under probe'. The bench highlighted that the school principal allegedly forced RTE students to perform physical labor, including carrying cement and sand, as well as painting classrooms. Despite related public interest litigation being scheduled for March 11, the bench decided to address the matter immediately due to its serious nature.
The court has directed the state school education secretary to file a personal affidavit by March 11, detailing the actions taken and the findings of the investigation. This move aims to ensure accountability and a swift resolution to the allegations.
Allegations of Threats and Dismissal of Parental Concerns
According to the reports, the principal of Mukhya Mantri DAV Public School in Tilsiva allegedly threatened students with expulsion if they refused to participate in the labor. When parents raised objections, the principal reportedly dismissed their concerns, arguing that since the children received free bags, books, and uniforms under the RTE quota, parents had no grounds for complaint. This response has raised questions about the school's adherence to ethical and legal standards under the RTE Act.
State's Response and Investigation Committee
Appearing for the state, Additional Advocate General Shashank Thakur informed the court that a three-member committee has been constituted to investigate the incident and verify the facts. The committee's formation is a step towards uncovering the truth and ensuring that such practices are not repeated in other institutions.
The court's proactive stance reflects its commitment to upholding the rights of children under the RTE Act, which guarantees free and compulsory education without exploitation. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar allegations are handled in the future, emphasizing the importance of protecting vulnerable students from abuse and ensuring their educational environment remains safe and conducive to learning.
