The children were taken to Nashik with promises of free education at the Shri Swami Narayan English Medium School. However, their parents raised alarm when they learned of the harsh conditions their children were facing at the school.
TFM Report
Five Manipuri children have been rescued from a distressing situation at a school in Nashik, Maharashtra followed reports of severe punishment and mistreatment of the children, said an official on Friday.
The children were taken to Nashik with promises of free education at the Shri Swami Narayan English Medium School. However, their parents raised alarm when they learned of the harsh conditions their children were facing at the school.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Social Welfare Department, director Ng Uttam said that parents of the four children have reported that their children are being subjected to harsh punishment and torture, which is in clear violation of various provisions of child protection laws.
It has also come to light that many children, including girls, were also transported to Nashik with the promise of providing free education along with the 4 (four) children, he said.
Citing the Supreme Court’s September 1, 2010 judgment for a blanket ban on sending children below 12 years or those at Primary School Level outside the state for education, the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Manipur requested the Commissioner of Social Welfare, Government of Maharastra to rescue the children at the earliest and to provide information on the other remaining children admitted in the school, he said.
Consequently, DCPU Nashik rescued five children from the school and handed over them to Child Welfare Committee, Nashik on February 3.
DCPU Nashik should visit to Shri Swami Narayan English Medium School, Nashik and carry out an inspection regarding the issues about harassment of the children and report to CWC Nashik. The DCPU concerned will take up further course of action in this regard, Uttam said.
CWC Nashik has handed over the rescued children to the representatives of Director, Social Welfare Department, Manipur led by its Deputy Director (Children Programme) on February 8.
The Director appealed to parents and guardians to not to sign any blank paper while sending their children for studies, and also do not send children without the knowledge of any concerned government department or child welfare committee.
While talking with the rescued children, it is known that a total of 20 children between age of 9-15 years including girls were went together. Some are sent to Gujarat. When they reached the school, about 40 children from Manipur were in the Ashram.
The Director said that the department has asked for more details about others children for rescue.