Date:11/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/11/stories/2008121159790600.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Lack of amenities in schools is HR violation

Special Correspondent

SHRC chief asks Collectors to file suo motu cases against erring institutions

Photo: G. Krishnaswamy

IN DEEP discussion: State HRC Chairman K. Subashan Reddy and Vice-Chairman Ismail at HR Day celebrations on Wednesday. –

HYDERABAD: State Human Rights Commission Chairperson B. Subhashan Reddy has termed lack of basic amenities in educational institutions as gross violation of human rights and directed Collectors to file suo motu cases against managements of such schools and colleges.

Speaking at the 60th Human Rights Day celebrations at SHRC here on Wednesday, he said there could not be greater shame than depriving girls of proper toilet facilities in schools and hostels. Greater commitment should be shown by the government in proper implementation of welfare programmes and enforcement of laws, he emphasised.

Regretting that State had the dubious distinction of ranking first in child marriages, he said after the Commission paid its attention, there was some awareness, but the State should do more to curb the practice, he said.

The first member of SHRC N.K. Raju said that Parliament should have a re-look at the amendment that reduced the members of SHRC to three, including the Chairperson and give liberty to States to increase the number up to five depending on the quantum of cases filed, he said. Of the 10,000 pending cases, 9,000 were filed during the current year alone , he added.

DGP S.S.P.Yadav said human rights gave dignity to human spirit on the doctrine of natural rights. Director-General, Drugs Control Administration, R.P.Meena and SHRC secretary Patil Vithal Rao spoke.