Haryana: Investigative Measure Initiated over Alleged Racial Harassment of Scholar
Title: Haryana Human Rights Commission Unleashes Inquiry Over School Racism
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The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has taken a strong stand against racial bullying in schools, ordering an independent investigation into an incident at a government school in Gurugram. In action-packed order, the commission has summoned responses from the regional education department, police, and two teachers accused of apathy.
The unfortunate sequence of events unfolded at the Government Model Sanskriti Primary School in Sushant Lok-2, Sector 43, where a student was mercilessly subjected to racial slurs and even a brutal physical assault. The horrific incident occurred on December 19, 2024, leaving the student with distressing injuries to the left eye.
The HHRC chairperson, justice Lalit Batra, condemned the acts as a violation of the child's fundamental and human rights, describing it as a "serious lapse in institutional duty" and "institutional neglect." The commission also noted that despite several complaints from the parent to the child's class teacher, Seema Saroha, the bullying continued, with the student enduring lasting physical and psychological trauma.
The victim's parents alleged that school authorities demonstrated a concerning lack of action following the assault, with the principal unavailable and the acting principal refusing to intervene or share their contact information. With no help from school officials, the family was left with no choice but to approach the police, but the response reportedly fell short.
In his order, Justice Batra pointed out a prima facie case of institutional negligence and a violation of the child's rights. The HHRC emphasized the severity of the matter, stating that the school's inaction could have irreversible effects on the child's emotional and psychological health while contradicting the inclusive values education should uphold.
To probe further, the HHRC has directed the District Elementary Education Officer (DEEO), Gurugram, to establish an independent inquiry committee and submit a detailed report by the scheduled hearing on July 30. The local station house officer (SHO) has been told to submit a status report, and both the class teacher and acting principal have been asked to respond to the allegations.
These directives have stirred outrage among parents and child rights advocates who see this incident as a reflection of systemic failures in addressing bullying and discrimination, particularly against marginalized communities.
It seems the HHRC will be keeping a close eye on the case as it unfolds and unveils the true colors of the school's ability to offer a secure and inclusive environment for all its students.
Source: NewsCities
Additional Information:- The identity of the independent inquiry committee remains undisclosed.- The specific findings of the investigation have yet to be disclosed.
- The Haryana Human Rights Commission's (HHRC) investigation into the racial bullying case in a government school indicates a need for increased focus on education-and-self-development and general-news segments, discussing the importance of addressing discrimination and fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment.
- In light of the HHRC's inquiry into a school racism case, it is crucial for government departments like crime-and-justice to collaborate more effectively with educational institutions to ensure the protection of children's rights and promote a culture that discourages bullying and discrimination.
- As the HHRC delves deeper into the institutional neglect case at a government school, it is essential to emphasize the impact of such incidents on a child's overall health and general well-being, driving the need for stringent policies and accountability to safeguard the rights of children, ensuring their physical and emotional safety in educational institutions.
