An inquiry was ordered on Thursday after a photo of students of a government upper primary school in Bagalkot district of Karnataka showing them washing their lunch plates next to an open drain, officials said.
The incident at Alabal village school in Jamkhandi taluk gained wide attention on Wednesday after the picture was posted on Facebook.The incident at Alabal village school in Jamkhandi taluk gained wide attention on Wednesday when the picture was posted on Facebook, tagging elected representatives and government departments.
Parents and local community members complain that the situation reflects the absence of adequate drinking water and hand-washing facilities on campus. Public health concerns have also been raised, with fears that sewage could put students at risk of illness from contact with the water.
Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has taken note of the reports Commission Chairperson Sashidhar S Kosambe said a suo motu complaint was registered against the headmaster of the school on Thursday. “The commission is working on a viral report and video showing students washing plates in sewer water after lunch,” Kosambe said.
He further said that the district authorities have been instructed to visit the school and submit a report. “I have asked the district administration to inspect the school, take action against the negligent headmaster, teachers and SDMC members and submit a report. The deputy director, school education department and field education officers have been directed to personally visit the school and take action. District child protection officers are also involved in the investigation,” he said.
Deputy Director of Public Instruction Ajit Mannikeri said he visited the school and initiated action. “I visited the school today and show-cause notices have been issued to Government Higher Primary School, Albal headmaster Nanda Bhimaji Kulkarni and SDMC members for washing plates in contaminated water and inadequate facilities including lack of clean drinking water,” he said.
“Officials must submit a written explanation within 3 days, or face disciplinary action,” Mannikeri added.
According to the report of The Hindustan Times contacted the headmaster of the school but did not get a response.
