The Department of Public Libraries has been charged with child rights violation for “failing to provide children with toilet facility” at the Indira Priyadarshini Children's Library, adjacent to City Central Library in Cubbon Park here.
Department Director K.G. Venkatesh said that the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) recently served a notice on the department for not providing toilet facility at the children's library, he said, addressing a World Book Day function earlier in the week.
The irony is that though the Library Department wants to build the toilets, the Horticulture Department is not giving permission, citing a court order against building any concrete structure in the Cubbon Park, he said.
“The children, especially girls, are nowadays hesitant to come to the library. We are forcing them to use the toilets at the Central Library by crossing the road,” Mr. Venkatesh said.
He stressed the urgency of addressing the issue.
Significant
Recently, the Anna Library in Chennai celebrated its centenary by renovating it. Similarly, in Bangalore too the Central Library should be renovated as it will be completing 130 years next month.
As part of the celebrations, an exhibition displaying pictures of retired police officer S. Krishnamurthy was organised. The former Chief Justice of India M.N. Venkatachaliah, singer Shimoga Subbanna, writer Shudra Srinivas and Library Department's Special Officer B.R. Hiremath were present.
