There is outrage over safety of children in schools following the gruesome murder of a 7- year-old boy in the Ryan International School, Gurgaon following an attempted sexual assault. Over time schools which are meant to be ‘safe havens’ for our children have become the centres of many gruesome acts against them.

Children are among the most vulnerable groups in the country and around the world. A survey conducted by humanitarian aid organisation, World Vision India revealed in May this year that one in every two children is a victim of sexual abuse. The survey was conducted across 26 states of the country and covered 12-18 years age group. It is estimated that children below 12 may have higher abuse rate as they are more vulnerable.

Such acts become even more traumatic when they occur in safe zones like homes and schools. One can imagine the distress among the students of this Gurgaon school. Can these children ever feel safe and secure in such an environment?

Arunachal has also witnessed gruesome acts towards children in schools. Over the past several years there has been disturbingly repeat occurrence of minor students being sexually abused at the hands of the school employees.

Sexual abuse, more so, when it involves minor students and in cases of ‘revered relations’, as is the sanctity of the teacher-student relation is a blot on humanity.  It can no longer be overlooked as a rarity but must be addressed as a public emergency.

Since 2012, India has had a strong and unambiguous law on sexual offences against children-POCSO. Anyone who is made aware of an abusive incident is legally obliged to report it, whether a teacher or a doctor. It spells out the protective duties of the police and demands a minimally distressful medical examination, investigative and judicial process. There is a need to generate more awareness because many school managements are unaware of it.

There must be close monitoring of all schools and hostels. Active local women, NGOs can be roped in to function as inspectors, who will make routing checking and speak with children to avert such crimes. A priority for all schools must be to carry out comprehensive background checks of employees.

Every child has the right to education in a safe environment. And this must be ensured at all costs. 

Last heard the accused in the rape of 14 minors in a residential school in Likabali, is out on bail, and the case stagnant.

Public memory has a short span and while the rest of society marches on, we need to remember these young victims whose innocence has been so brutally hammered.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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