In a significant move aimed at protecting students, the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR) has submitted a confidential special report on the unnatural death of a minor student and proposed a groundbreaking new law called "The HERO Act" to eradicate bullying and ragging from educational institutions.
A Confidential Report and a Call for Legislative Action
A delegation, led by APSCPCR Chairperson Ratan Anya, met with State Education Minister PD Sona in Itanagar on Monday. The delegation formally handed over the detailed report concerning the tragic death of a student at Sainik School in Niglok, East Siang district, which occurred on November 1 last year.
The report was prepared under the powers vested in the commission by Sections 14(2), 16(1), and 23 of the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005. Chairperson Anya emphasized that the document was submitted in strict confidence, adhering to the confidentiality clauses of the Juvenile Justice Act of 2015, due to the sensitive nature of the case.
Beyond the education minister, copies of this critical report have been sent to the Governor, the Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary, and other key authorities for their immediate consideration and action.
Uncovering Systemic Failures and Proposing Solutions
The commission's investigation was an independent statutory inquiry that looked beyond the immediate incident. It scrutinized alleged child rights violations, institutional lapses, and systemic deficiencies prevalent in residential schools across the state.
The findings present a stark picture, highlighting an urgent need for preventive strategies, administrative overhauls, and robust policy-level interventions to secure the welfare of children in boarding institutions. The report contains evidence-based conclusions, pinpoints specific institutional gaps, and reviews the effectiveness of existing safety measures.
To address these failures and build a stronger framework of accountability, the APSCPCR has put forward several key recommendations. The most prominent is the enactment of a comprehensive state law specifically targeting ragging and bullying. The commission has also advocated for providing ex-gratia compensation to affected families and making stringent child safety standards mandatory for all schools.
The HERO Act: Redefining Courage and Protection
The proposed legislation has been named "The HERO Act". Chairperson Ratan Anya explained that the acronym stands for a powerful principle. "Heroism is not about dominating others; it is about standing up to those who dominate others, protecting the vulnerable, and upholding justice," she stated.
This envisioned law seeks to honor the memory of the deceased child by establishing a new benchmark for heroism among the youth—one founded on courage, compassion, and accountability. In a poignant recommendation to ensure the tragedy is never forgotten, the commission has proposed that November 1 be observed every year as 'HERO Day of Arunachal Pradesh', dedicated to anti-ragging and child safety awareness.
Reiterating that safeguarding children is a fundamental constitutional duty, Anya issued a grave warning: "We cannot afford to wait for the next tragedy. Every gap and delay places other children at risk." The commission has assured the state government of its full cooperation in implementing the suggested corrective and preventive steps.
In response, Education Minister PD Sona assured the APSCPCR delegation of the government's commitment to enact the proposed HERO Act at the earliest possible opportunity, signaling a political will to address this critical issue.
