ALL INDIA PARENTS ASSOCIATION
Agarwal Bhawan, G. T. Road,
Tis Hazari, Delhi - 54
To,
Shri Diwan Chand
Director of Education,
Govt. of NCT of Delhi,
Old Secretariat, Delhi
20.10.2011
SUB: Complaint regarding serious psychological violence on hundreds of innocent children studying in St. Lowrence Convent School by the school authorities in the guise of ‘’Smart Class’’
DearSir,
This is to bring to your urgent notice the shocking case of humiliation, harassment and discrimination of hundreds of innocent children by the management and school authorities of St Lowrence Convent School, Geeta Colony Faculty Centre, Delhi-51 in the pretext of "Smart Class" which has left the children studying in that school completely traumatized; and if no immediate action is taken to check it would leave a permanent scar on the innocent minds.
Some glaring facts relating to the case are as follows:
(i) The school has implemented a new "Smart Class" program and is charging Rs 400/- per month per student. And from 17.10.2011 onwards school has divided (DISCRIMINATED) students as "EDUCOMP STUDENTS" and "NON-EDUCOMP STUDENTS." Therefore, those students who have not paid this "Smart Class" Charges are not allowed to sit with their classmates for merely Rs. 400/. This is despite the fact that all students have already paid their Quarterly Fee of approx. Rs. 8,500.
(ii) The school authorities have gone to the extent of dividing (discriminating) non-educomp students’ classes in different rooms and even teachers, sections and their classmates have been changed.
(iii) This sudden discriminatory change in the middle of the session will not just make the children unable to concentrate in their studies but will have a serious negative psychological impact on their innocent minds.
(iv) As many as 500-odd students have not paid this Smart Class Charges.
(v) This Educomp charge itself is on the higher side. The school has Educomp as their Official Partner in this project. On the website of Educomp it is clearly mentioned that Smart Class Charges are between Rs 100-150 per student per month.
It is submitted that the aforesaid action on the part of the school tantamount to commercialization of Education. It is all greed on the part of the school which has resulted in exploitation of hapless parents/students. Apart from that, the same is in clear violation of Section 17 of Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 which prohibits physical punishment and mental harassment to child. Moreover, the same amounts to cruelty to child and attracts punishment under Section 23 of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000.
Your kind attention is invited to a judgment of U.S. Supreme Court in case of Brown v. Board of Education 347 U.S. 283 (1954) where it has been held that “separate education facilities are inherently unequal” and thus, violate the doctrine of equality.
If immediate action is not taken against the school by the Directorate of Education to check this discrimination it would leave a permanent scar on the innocent minds and we will be left with no option but to hold a peaceful Protest Demonstration in front of your office on Monday 24 October 2011 at 4.00 p.m. for the well-being of our children.
With regards
Ashok Agarwal, Advocate
National President, AIPA
M-09811101923
20/10/11
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
DELHI GOVT FAILS TO FRAME RTE RULES - HIGH COURT SUMMONS EDUCATION SECRETARY
Delhi High Court today summoned Delhi Education Principal Secretary to appear in person in the Court on 09/11/2011 to explain why the Government of Delhi has not notified the rules under Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 even after one and half year of coming into force the Act. The Court was hearing Social Jurist PIL seeking directions against the Delhi Government to make rules by notification as required under Section 38 of Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. The Government of Delhi has made a mockery of RTE Act, 2009.
IT IS ALL GREED
CASE OF HUMILIATION, HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION OF HUNDREDS OF INNOCENT STUDENTS BY THE SCHOOL - All India Parents Association (AIPA) has received a complaint from the parents body of St. Lowrence Convent School, Geeta Colony, Delhi regarding serious psychological violence on hundreds of students by the school authorities in the guise of "Smart Class". AIPA is going to ask the Director of Education to immediately intervene in the matter otherwise the parents/students would stage a peaceful demonstration on Monday 24 October 2011 at 4 pm in front of his office at Old Secretariat Building, Civil Lines, Delhi-54.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
MCD VIOLATES HUMAN RIGHTS OF ITS STUDENTS - SJ COMPLAINS TO NCPCR
SOCIAL JURIST 12/10/2011
To,
The Chairperson,
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR),
5th Foor, Chanderlok Building
Janpath, New Delhi-110001
SUB.: LOWERING THE DIGNITY OF THE CHILDREN – STOP BJP TO DISTRIBUTE UNIFORM & BAGS TO MCD SCHOOL STUDENTS BY THEIR LEADERS
Respected Madam,
It is brought to your notice that Hindustan Times, New Delhi dated 12 October 2011 has reported the following:-
“Revised grants for school children in MCD schools – With the election starting at its face, the BJP leaders of the MCD have decided that they will themselves distribute the uniform and bags grants that the MCD gives to its school students. The education committee has also introduced a new grant of Rs.310/- for uniforms for 48,000 children studying in its nursery schools. Earlier, only students of the primary schools were provided with Rs.500/- for their winter uniform.”
The distribution of essential items to the children in MCD schools is fine and laudable. Our serious objection is to the manner of distribution. The above reported news-item clearly spells out that the uniform and the bags would be distributed by the BJP leaders themselves in full public view. It would be used for political propaganda. In my respectful submission, such practice would not only derogatory to the dignity of the school children most of whom belong to lower strata of society but also tantamount to violation of human rights of these children. It would also violate the Delhi Government Order dated 28.02.2002 banning such practice.
It is submitted that the provisions of Articles 39 & 40 of U.N. Convention on the Rights of the child states that no degrading treatment could be meted out to children. It is submitted that the practice as adopted by the school is violative of these provisions of U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child and hence there is immediate need to prohibit such practice. It is submitted that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi by not adhering to these provisions of U.N. Convention, committing violation of the provisions which they are bound to protect.
It is submitted that the majority of children who come to these schools are from lower strata of society and there is a need to adopt even more careful attitude towards these to instill in them the sense of pride and dignity. These children coming from poor families are deprived of many facilities, which children of rich enjoy. Hence, they suffer from sense of insecurity and if such practices are encouraged, their self-respect will be adversely affected and it would be very difficult to bring them at par with the rest of the society. Facilities of free education, food, shelter, writing material, uniform etc. to the children should be encouraged but not at the cost of their self respect and dignity. Even otherwise, the provisions of free education, food, books, bags, clothing etc. are made at the cost of national exchequer and there is no provision which allows these schools to use these facilities for their publicity benefits.
It is submitted that child receiving sweaters or books or other articles in public view is made to believe that she/he is being given such treatment solely because of their poverty and not as a matter of right. It is a clear-cut violation of human rights of students studying in State-run-schools. It is also submitted that psychological development of such a child is now being damaged. The child from the very beginning is condemned to a mere beggar; needless to say that this will cause a lot of inferiority complex in the mind of the child.
It is submitted that in the past also, it was the routine practice in Govt. /Municipal run schools that distribution of essential items to the children in government and MCD schools are mode of propaganda event by inviting some politician and/or some high government officials. That led me to raise the issue by lodging a formal complaint with the NHRC in January 2001.
It is submitted that the NHRC on 30.3.2001 after perusing my complaint directed “let the complaint be transmitted to Chief Secretary, Government of NCT of Delhi to look into the grievance and take such action as is appropriate in the circumstances.” Thereafter, the Govt. of Delhi, Directorate of Education issued an Order dated 28.2.2002 thereby banning the practice of distributing items to the students in schools in full public view and also banning inviting outside people/officers and making publicity.
It is therefore requested that appropriate steps may immediately be taken to stop the BJP leaders to get the uniform and school bags distributed by their leaders to the MCD schools students in full public view to use for political propaganda.
With regards,
Ashok Agarwal, Advocate
Advisor, Social Jurist,
M-09811101923
To,
The Chairperson,
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR),
5th Foor, Chanderlok Building
Janpath, New Delhi-110001
SUB.: LOWERING THE DIGNITY OF THE CHILDREN – STOP BJP TO DISTRIBUTE UNIFORM & BAGS TO MCD SCHOOL STUDENTS BY THEIR LEADERS
Respected Madam,
It is brought to your notice that Hindustan Times, New Delhi dated 12 October 2011 has reported the following:-
“Revised grants for school children in MCD schools – With the election starting at its face, the BJP leaders of the MCD have decided that they will themselves distribute the uniform and bags grants that the MCD gives to its school students. The education committee has also introduced a new grant of Rs.310/- for uniforms for 48,000 children studying in its nursery schools. Earlier, only students of the primary schools were provided with Rs.500/- for their winter uniform.”
The distribution of essential items to the children in MCD schools is fine and laudable. Our serious objection is to the manner of distribution. The above reported news-item clearly spells out that the uniform and the bags would be distributed by the BJP leaders themselves in full public view. It would be used for political propaganda. In my respectful submission, such practice would not only derogatory to the dignity of the school children most of whom belong to lower strata of society but also tantamount to violation of human rights of these children. It would also violate the Delhi Government Order dated 28.02.2002 banning such practice.
It is submitted that the provisions of Articles 39 & 40 of U.N. Convention on the Rights of the child states that no degrading treatment could be meted out to children. It is submitted that the practice as adopted by the school is violative of these provisions of U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child and hence there is immediate need to prohibit such practice. It is submitted that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi by not adhering to these provisions of U.N. Convention, committing violation of the provisions which they are bound to protect.
It is submitted that the majority of children who come to these schools are from lower strata of society and there is a need to adopt even more careful attitude towards these to instill in them the sense of pride and dignity. These children coming from poor families are deprived of many facilities, which children of rich enjoy. Hence, they suffer from sense of insecurity and if such practices are encouraged, their self-respect will be adversely affected and it would be very difficult to bring them at par with the rest of the society. Facilities of free education, food, shelter, writing material, uniform etc. to the children should be encouraged but not at the cost of their self respect and dignity. Even otherwise, the provisions of free education, food, books, bags, clothing etc. are made at the cost of national exchequer and there is no provision which allows these schools to use these facilities for their publicity benefits.
It is submitted that child receiving sweaters or books or other articles in public view is made to believe that she/he is being given such treatment solely because of their poverty and not as a matter of right. It is a clear-cut violation of human rights of students studying in State-run-schools. It is also submitted that psychological development of such a child is now being damaged. The child from the very beginning is condemned to a mere beggar; needless to say that this will cause a lot of inferiority complex in the mind of the child.
It is submitted that in the past also, it was the routine practice in Govt. /Municipal run schools that distribution of essential items to the children in government and MCD schools are mode of propaganda event by inviting some politician and/or some high government officials. That led me to raise the issue by lodging a formal complaint with the NHRC in January 2001.
It is submitted that the NHRC on 30.3.2001 after perusing my complaint directed “let the complaint be transmitted to Chief Secretary, Government of NCT of Delhi to look into the grievance and take such action as is appropriate in the circumstances.” Thereafter, the Govt. of Delhi, Directorate of Education issued an Order dated 28.2.2002 thereby banning the practice of distributing items to the students in schools in full public view and also banning inviting outside people/officers and making publicity.
It is therefore requested that appropriate steps may immediately be taken to stop the BJP leaders to get the uniform and school bags distributed by their leaders to the MCD schools students in full public view to use for political propaganda.
With regards,
Ashok Agarwal, Advocate
Advisor, Social Jurist,
M-09811101923
LOKPAL
LOKPAL 'A CONSTITUTIONAL BODY' IS A GREAT IDEA - We need to welcome Government's move to make the Lokpal a Constitutional authority which will be 'more powerful' than the Election Commission. Let us trust the Government and hold our passions for some more time. We should not forget that we are the largest democracy in the world and should not do anything to destroy or harm the same. Let us work to strength it further.
GREEDY UNAIDED PRIVATE SCHOOL
GREEDY PVT SCHOOL - It is a 3rd letter in series that Abhishek has given to me hoping that I would take suitable steps to get his problem solved. Delhi High Court on September19. 2011 had directed him to continue attending the school till further directions are given by the Court. Despite these orders. the school has been harassing him in one way or the other. By denial of bus facility, the school has again forced him to sit a home. I will move to Court by tomorrow seeking necessary directions.
Date-27/09/11
Dear Uncle,
I am fine and hope that you will be fine there.I went to school dated 26/9/11 again my class teacher did not allow me to enter the class room. My class teacher said me that you go to Virdi Mam room and give exam of subject Social Studies. My school
class teacher did not allow me school bus and said that you call your mother. I sit there apoxi. two hours All students and teachers had gone their homes by school buses. Only me and school office staff were in the school, My teacher warned me that tomorrow in the morning if you will catch the school bus I will not carry you.
Your's Lovely
Abhishek
Class: - VIII- D
School: - Guru Harkishan
Public School
India Gate New Delhi.
Date-27/09/11
Dear Uncle,
I am fine and hope that you will be fine there.I went to school dated 26/9/11 again my class teacher did not allow me to enter the class room. My class teacher said me that you go to Virdi Mam room and give exam of subject Social Studies. My school
class teacher did not allow me school bus and said that you call your mother. I sit there apoxi. two hours All students and teachers had gone their homes by school buses. Only me and school office staff were in the school, My teacher warned me that tomorrow in the morning if you will catch the school bus I will not carry you.
Your's Lovely
Abhishek
Class: - VIII- D
School: - Guru Harkishan
Public School
India Gate New Delhi.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
LOOK AT CHILD AS CHILD
Our Constitution guarantee good quality free elementary education to every child irrespective of the fact whether the child is of the rich or of the poor. Looking from this point of view, there is nothing wrong even if a child of the rich gets free education in a private school, may be under EWS quota. We are arguing that the school education should be completely free to get the fundamental right to education of every child realized.
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