Srinagar, June 30: In a major move aimed at reinforcing child protection and institutional accountability, the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Srinagar, has directed the immediate transfer of the principal of a prominent private school in the city after finding serious lapses in the handling of an alleged child abuse case on the school premises.
The order, issued by the CWC under the chairpersonship of Dr. Khair-ul-Nisa, states that the school administration failed to promptly report allegations of sexual harassment, bullying, intimidation and abuse involving a student, despite being aware of the incident. The Committee observed that such inaction violated the institution’s statutory obligations under child protection laws.
Describing the principal’s omission and failure to report the matter as a “grave dereliction of duty,” the Committee said the negligence compromised the safety and welfare of children enrolled in the institution. It emphasized that educational institutions are legally bound to immediately report offences against children and that any attempt to remain silent or conceal such incidents is unacceptable.
To ensure a fair, impartial and child-friendly environment during the implementation of its directions, the CWC ordered the school management to transfer the principal with immediate effect. The Committee said the step was necessary to facilitate an unbiased process and restore confidence among students and parents.
In addition to the transfer, the Committee issued a series of directions concerning the protection, rehabilitation and educational reintegration of the affected child. It also called for institutional reforms to strengthen child safeguarding mechanisms within the school and directed the management to submit a compliance report within the stipulated timeframe. The Committee warned that failure to comply with its directions could invite appropriate legal action.
The order reiterates the Child Welfare Committee’s commitment to ensuring zero tolerance towards negligence in matters involving children’s safety and reinforces the legal obligation of all educational institutions to promptly report abuse and provide a secure learning environment.
