AAP Leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal have taken swift action in response to incidents of sexual harassment at a Delhi Government school. Following reports of two boys allegedly being sexually assaulted by their classmates in April this year, Kejriwal has ordered the immediate suspension of the teachers and vice principal involved.
Delhi’s Education Minister, Atishi, disclosed that Kejriwal has also directed severe disciplinary measures against those accused of not promptly reporting the matter to the police.
Atishi stressed that ensuring the safety and security of all children within schools is their primary responsibility. She also made emphasis on the acts of child sexual abuse that are very heinous and must be met with appropriate legal action, and steps should be taken to prevent their recurrence.
Atishi conveyed Kejriwal’s directive to the Directorate of Education to implement thorough training for principals and teachers regarding the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Understanding the severity of the situation, the Kejriwal government have also incorporated some training that includes understanding mandatory reporting of such incidents, identifying early signs of abuse, recognizing different types of abuse, comprehending its impact on children, and adopting strategies for supporting affected students.
Thereafter, Kejriwal clearly instructed the Directorate of Education to produce high-quality reference materials for teachers and principals and to establish guidelines for schools to handle abuse cases in a supportive manner.
The Delhi Government has initiated an inquiry committee to investigate the alleged sexual assault of two minor boys within the government school. Government authorities have expressed their commitment to quick and stringent action in addressing this grave matter and upholding the standards of education and character development among students.
The Delhi Commission for Women, led by Chief Swati Maliwal, has also stepped in by issuing notices to the Delhi Police and the Directorate of Education regarding the alleged sexual assault case. The commission has received information about the incidents involving two boys during a school summer camp.
One boy, aged 13, reported that he was sexually assaulted by fellow students over the course of a week in a nearby park. Another boy, aged 12, alleged that he was assaulted in the school restroom. The commission has urged both authorities to furnish a comprehensive action-taken report on these incidents by September 1, 2023.
