 AB Sharma
Early Times Report
Reasi, Sept 20: In a bizarre incident, a school teacher of a government school in zone Pouni of district Reasi has justified the labour being done by school students for carrying potable water in school in absence of water connection in the school premises.
Following the complaints of locals regarding forceful engagement of school students by the staff of Government Middle School, Doogi for carrying the potable water in the school premises after covering a distance of 2 km, this reporter visited the school and captured the pictures of the students who were carrying water for drinking purpose.
After getting information about presence of this reporter in the area, an infuriated school teacher reached the spot. Justifying the forced labour of the schoolchildren, the teacher said that there is no water connection in the school premises due to which the staff asked them to fetch water. "I do not care if you highlight the issue in the media," he said.
The schoolchildren, who often struggle to carry the school bags properly, were made to draw and carry water. With no water connection in the school premises, children are engaged in manual work of this nature, much to the displeasure of their parents.
A child rights activist expressed concern over the engagement of children in labour-intensive works during school hours and described it as an illegal and unethical practice. The school authorities are not within their right to employ children in such manual labour, he said.
"It goes against the spirit of Right to Education Act," said the activist. The drinking water ought to have been drawn by the cook and assistant who are in charge of mid-day meal. Under no circumstances, children could be asked to draw water, he added. |
