The Delhi government has taken a firm stance against a private school in Janakpuri by issuing a show cause notice on Sunday. The notice accuses the school of concealing a sexual assault incident involving a nursery student and misusing funds meant for staff retirement benefits. Authorities have also proposed taking over the school's management if the allegations are confirmed.
Details of the Allegations and Government Response
The Directorate of Education (DoE) has demanded a response from the school’s management within seven days. If the school fails to comply, the government will initiate action under the Delhi School Education Act, 1973. Education Minister Ashish Sood emphasized the government’s zero tolerance policy regarding child safety and dignity, instructing the DoE to take strict measures if the claims are validated.
Findings from the DoE Inquiry
A multi-phase investigation by DoE committees revealed several serious lapses by the school. Key findings include:
- The school did not report the alleged molestation of a nursery student on April 30, 2026, as required by child protection laws.
- All 64 CCTV cameras at the pre-primary branch were found non-functional during a police investigation.
- The surveillance system lacked a maintenance contract.
- Nursery and kindergarten classes were conducted in an unauthorized building in Narang Colony.
- The basement was used as an activity area without official approval.
- The school lacked a child protection policy, committee, and a POCSO-trained nodal officer.
- Security guards had not undergone mandatory police verification.
- Basic infrastructure issues included inadequate drinking water supply, forcing parents to send multiple water bottles.
- The fire safety certificate expired in 2020 and was not renewed.
Financial Irregularities and Other Violations
The DoE also uncovered financial mismanagement, including:
- Approximately Rs 6 crore intended for staff retirement benefits was diverted to another branch as a "loan settlement."
- Unauthorized professional fees were paid to the school’s manager and trustees from school funds.
- Delays in salary payments of up to four months for teaching and non-teaching staff, with outdated pay scales being used.
- A 15 percent fee hike for the 2025-26 academic year, which violated court orders.
The show cause notice warns the school that failure to respond adequately could lead to the government taking over management under Section 20(1) of the Delhi School Education Act, canceling the land lease granted by the Delhi Development Authority, and initiating criminal proceedings under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Juvenile Justice Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What prompted the Delhi government to issue the show cause notice?
A: The notice was issued following an inquiry that found the school allegedly concealed a sexual assault on a nursery student and committed financial irregularities involving staff retirement funds.
Q: What actions can the government take if the school fails to respond?
A: The government may take over the school's management, cancel its land lease, and initiate criminal proceedings under relevant child protection laws.
Q: What safety and infrastructure issues were identified at the school?
A: The school had non-functional CCTV cameras, lacked a child protection policy and trained officers, used unauthorized buildings, had expired fire safety certification, and insufficient drinking water facilities.
