Condition of schools: NHRC issues notice to Delhi govt

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to Delhi government over the "pathetic state of affairs" at the schools run by it and sought a detailed report in the matter within four weeks.
"The commission has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report highlighting a survey exposing the pathetic state of affairs in the 720 schools of Delhi government," it said in a statement here.
According to the report, a survey conducted by Delhi government's Education Department has found that government schools faced shortage of teachers and lacked clean drinking water and toilet facilities. Also, in some cases, teachers were found to have consumed alcohol during duty hours.

Instances also came to light of teachers and principals verbally abusing students and their parents as well.
Facilities for computer education were almost non- existent with schools having no computers or just one for all the students.
There were also major security lapses within the schools, said the survey, which was held pursuant to an initiative by the Deputy Chief Minister to obtain students' suggestions for improvements at government schools.