my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 30 Dec: A hearing on matters related to various private schools was held today at the Uttarakhand State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (UKSCPCR) under the chairpersonship of Dr Geeta Khanna, Chairperson, UKSCPCR. During the proceedings, the Commission took cognisance of serious issues concerning child rights and issued necessary directions.
In the case of a student of Brightlands School, it was brought before the Commission that the student’s Transfer Certificate (TC) had been issued forcibly. Additionally, the school had failed to comply with the Commission’s earlier orders regarding refund of fees. In the course of further proceedings, the fee refund was ensured, and the school management also submitted a written apology to the Commission.
Hearings were conducted on a land dispute and complaints from various parties concerning Cambrian Hall School. Upon examination through a transparent process, the Commission found that the school is currently operating without a valid lease, and the registration of the concerned society is still pending. Both parties presented facts related to the purchase and sale of the remaining trust land; however, the Commission declined to hear this matter, stating that it falls outside its jurisdiction. Nevertheless, the Registrar of Societies was directed—through written communication and telephonically—to present the NOC procedure, society-related directions, and their statement, as an NOC cannot be issued for operating a school on “no-man’s land”. The school was also directed to submit and ensure all its documents. Further, the Education Department was asked to clarify how an NOC was issued without verification of land validity, society registration, and land records.
In the case of Convent of Jesus and Mary School, a matter involving demeaning behaviour towards a girl student and a personal attack on her dignity came to light. The Principal did not appear for the hearing. Officials from the BEO’s office were directed to ensure their presence on 17 January. As the girl student has her Class 12 examinations, to avoid disruption to her studies, it was directed that she be connected to the hearing via video calling.
A hearing was also held in the matter of Lucent School, where students had been deceptively enrolled in previous years without registration. With the assistance of the High Court, some students were permitted to appear for examinations. Despite repeated queries by the Education Department, no response was received from the school, nor did the management committee appear. Based on the Education Department’s report, the Commission has ordered cancellation of the NOC, and directed the BEO to display a board outside the school to inform parents accordingly.
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