The Directorate of Education, Government of Delhi, has issued a show-cause notice to S.S. Mota Singh Sr. Sec. Model School, Janakpuri, following an alleged molestation incident involving a nursery class girl within the school premises during school hours. The notice, issued by the Office of the Deputy Director of Education, District West B, demands a detailed explanation from the school management regarding multiple administrative and safety lapses.
Allegations of Grave Lapses in Child Safety Mechanisms
The show-cause notice highlights that the school failed to maintain adequate surveillance systems within its campus. It specifically notes the absence or non-installation of CCTV cameras at critical and sensitive locations, which is stated to be in violation of safety norms and child protection requirements under applicable regulations. The notice further states that the school administration did not implement sufficient preventive safeguards or monitoring mechanisms to ensure the safety of students. It also records that several concerns related to administration, safety, and functioning of the institution had reportedly persisted over time without corrective action from the management.
Separate Premises for Nursery and Pre-Primary Classes Under Scrutiny
A key issue raised in the notice relates to the operation of nursery and pre-primary classes from a separate private premises situated approximately one kilometre away from the recognised school campus. The document states that students are being shifted to this location without approval from the competent authority. The Directorate has observed that the recognition granted to the school is specific to the approved land and infrastructure. Running classes from an unapproved site is described as a violation of recognition conditions, land allotment terms of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and mandatory safety and infrastructure norms.
Violations Under Delhi School Education Act and Land Allotment Terms
The notice cites prima facie violations of the Delhi School Education Act and Rules (DSEAR), including failure to ensure safety, welfare, and proper management of the institution. It also refers to concerns regarding structural safety, fire safety compliance, and regulatory approvals for the additional premises being used. It further notes possible concealment of material facts regarding the actual location of classes, along with non-compliance with prior instructions issued by the District and Zonal authorities on administrative and functional matters.
Directions Issued to School Management for Detailed Explanation
The school management has been directed to submit a detailed response including an incident report with timeline, staff duty details, child safety policy documents, CCTV installation records, FIR or police complaint copy, suspension procedures against responsible individuals, and measures proposed to prevent recurrence. Additional submissions required include approval or permission documents for operating from the separate premises, ownership details of that site, safety certificates such as fire and building stability clearances, and transport arrangements for students.
Possible Action Including De-Recognition and Lease Cancellation
The notice warns that failure to submit a satisfactory reply by May 11, 2026, may result in strict action. This includes possible withdrawal of recognition under DSEAR provisions, takeover of school management under rule 24(4), and recommendation to the DDA for cancellation of land allotment or lease.
