NHRC issues notice to Tamil Nadu Government over allegations of non-utilization of Education Cess fund (18.02.2015)
PRESS RELEASE
New Delhi, 18th February, 2015
The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the Government of Tamil Nadu, through its Chief Secretary, asking him to inform as to how the State Government was using its share of Education Cess provided by the Central Government for improving the facilities in schools, including toilets. He has also been asked to inform as to how much amount under this Head is lying unused and how the State Government proposes to use this money. The State Government has been given four weeks time to respond.
The Commission's directions followed the cognizance of a complaint filed by an NGO, "The Catalyst Trust", alleging that a huge amount of Education Cess collected by the Central government every year remained unused for the betterment of the schools, including buildings, equipments, toilet facilities, etc. Due to this, the school going girls become the most affected.
The NHRC Member, Justice Shri D. Murugesan Commission, while taking the cognizance of the complaint, has observed that Right to Education guaranteed under Article 21 A of the Constitution includes, the right to avail and to have conducive atmosphere for students to have their education. Such right should be ensured to all students and the responsibility lies on the State more so when a Cess is collected for that purpose.
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New Delhi, 18th February, 2015
The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the Government of Tamil Nadu, through its Chief Secretary, asking him to inform as to how the State Government was using its share of Education Cess provided by the Central Government for improving the facilities in schools, including toilets. He has also been asked to inform as to how much amount under this Head is lying unused and how the State Government proposes to use this money. The State Government has been given four weeks time to respond.
The Commission's directions followed the cognizance of a complaint filed by an NGO, "The Catalyst Trust", alleging that a huge amount of Education Cess collected by the Central government every year remained unused for the betterment of the schools, including buildings, equipments, toilet facilities, etc. Due to this, the school going girls become the most affected.
The NHRC Member, Justice Shri D. Murugesan Commission, while taking the cognizance of the complaint, has observed that Right to Education guaranteed under Article 21 A of the Constitution includes, the right to avail and to have conducive atmosphere for students to have their education. Such right should be ensured to all students and the responsibility lies on the State more so when a Cess is collected for that purpose.
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