The DCW said its teams found the gates of all these four schools open and there were no security guards.
Highlights
- DCW expressed concern over the pathetic condition of schools run by MCD
- Panel stated that the schools had security and sanitation issues
- DCW also found drugs, alcohol and other substances within the premises
The Delhi Commission for Women on Monday expressed concern over the pathetic condition of schools run by MCD after conducting a surprise inspection. A panel that conducted searches stated that the schools lacked adequate security and sanitation facilities. Along with this, also claimed to have found dangerous substances like syringes, drugs, cigarette cases, gutka wrappers and even broken liquor bottles.
The inspection comes days after the incident where two girls allegedly faced sexual assault in a Municipal Corporation of Delhi-run school in Bhajanpura. Some of the schools that were inspected by the committee were Bhai Mandeep Nagpal Nigam Vidhyalaya, Aruna Nagar in North Delhi, Nigam Pratibha Sah Shiksha Vidhyalaya, in Kewal Park area, Purvi Dilli Nagar Nigam Pratibha Vidhyalaya, Mustafabad and Sanjay Colony's, Dakshini Dilli Nagar Nigam Prathmik Sah Bal Balika Vidhyalaya in South Delhi.
The DCW said its teams found the gates of all these four schools open and there were no security guards. After it found syringes, drugs and broken liquor bottles among other substances at the premises of the Kewal Park school, the panel said it has "recommended filing an FIR in the matter urgently". Most of the school buildings were severely damaged and unsafe for children, it said.
"Parts of the ceiling and walls have fallen several times in the school at Aruna Nagar and there have been several narrow escapes. In Bhati Mines, the children were forced to sit in a tin shade in scorching heat," it said. The DCW observed that the schools did not have a single CCTV camera that was operational and that the toilets were "extremely dirty".
"Also, there were several toilet doors that were broken or could not be locked from the inside, which raises serious concerns regarding the safety and privacy of children. In the school at Bhati Mines, the girl toilets were locked, and the boys and girls were forced to defecate in the open, as there was no water connection in the toilets," it alleged. Further, the panel said the four schools were overcrowded and it was clear that the norms for teacher-pupil ratio were not being followed.
"The DCW was informed that MCD is running summer classes for the children studying in its schools from 7.30 am to 11am. However, the mid-day meal is presently not being served in any of its schools," it said. During the inspection, it was also found that proper benches were not available in schools. The DCW has issued a notice to MCD commissioner in this connection and sought a detailed action report by May 30.
It panel has also sought details of the officials responsible for the "dismal" condition of schools and has asked the MCD to take action against them. "These schools are horror houses where students and teachers are extremely unsafe. How can a school exist without a security guard and CCTV? In today's world, MCD is running schools where girls are forced to defecate in the open! So much so for the Total Sanitation Campaign! The situation is extremely alarming and urgent steps need to be taken to safeguard the future of the children," DCW chief Swati Maliwal said.
(With PTI inputs)
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