The Delhi government is considering taking over the management of a private school in Janakpuri after a show-cause notice was issued in connection with the alleged rape of a three-year-old student on the campus. The Directorate of Education (DoE) served the notice on May 8, citing alleged violations related to child safety, inadequate supervision, and non-compliance with statutory requirements.
Show-cause notice and possible actions
The department warned that if the west Delhi school fails to provide a satisfactory explanation, action could be initiated under the Delhi School Education Act and Rules (DSEAR), including withdrawal of recognition and takeover of the school’s management. The school authorities were asked to submit their reply within three days, but as of Monday, no response had been received. The DoE is now preparing to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the school for alleged lapses in ensuring student safety.
Preliminary inquiry findings
According to a preliminary inquiry, the school failed to maintain adequate surveillance and monitoring systems within the campus. The notice states that CCTV cameras were absent or not installed at critical and sensitive locations, violating child protection requirements. The department also noted that several complaints related to the school’s safety, administration, and overall functioning allegedly remained unresolved for a considerable period.
The alleged lapses amount to prima facie violations of DSEAR, including failure to ensure safety, welfare, discipline, and proper management of the institution. The department accused the management of gross negligence that endangered the physical and psychological safety of minor students.
Separate premises for nursery classes
The notice raised concerns over the school allegedly operating its nursery and pre-primary classes from a separate private premises about one kilometre from the main recognised campus without approval from competent authorities. According to the DoE, this may amount to violations of recognition conditions, land allotment norms of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), safety requirements, and other statutory provisions.
The school was asked to explain why its management should not be taken over under DSEAR provisions, why its recognition should not be withdrawn, and why the DDA should not be asked to cancel the school’s land lease. The management was also directed to submit incident reports, CCTV details, staff records, safety compliance documents, and approvals related to the separate premises by Monday, failing which strict action may follow.
Background of the incident
Officials said the three-year-old student’s mother approached Janakpuri police on May 1 with a complaint alleging that her daughter was sexually assaulted inside the school during class hours on April 30, just a day after she started attending classes. Police arrested a 57-year-old staffer of the school in connection with the case.
