Schools that fail to comply with the Karnataka Child Protection Policy may soon have to pay a penalty to the government or worse, even lose their affiliation. This will apply to not just government and State board schools but also to those under CBSE and ICSE boards.
The State government has decided to get its act together after a number of alleged sexual assault cases were reported from a preschool in Bellandur here, which has since been shut.
The Child Protection Policy was approved by the State Cabinet in April 2016. However, as there is no provision to impose penalty on school managements that fail to comply with it, the government plans to amend the Karnataka Education Act 1983. “We are planning to list out a penalty clause for school managements that violate the policy. Keeping the safety of children as a priority, there are some mandatory requirements under the policy that need to be fulfilled by all schools. In a majority of cases, the schools may have to pay a fine and in extreme cases, they may be at the risk of losing their recognition,” said a senior official in the Department of Primary and Secondary Education.
According to sources, the Karnataka Education Act is likely to be amended in the budget session. It will also ensure that Central board schools come under its ambit. The amendment will also incorporate a provision allowing parents to approach the District Education Regulatory Authority.
Meanwhile, officials from the Department of Women and Child Development convened a meeting of various stakeholders to find out if schools are complying with the policy.
