NHRC issues notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Haryana on alleged widespread sexual abuse of girls in District Rewari, Haryana.
New Delhi, 11th June, 2013
The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report alleging widespread sexual abuse of girls in District Rewari, Haryana. The Government of Haryana, as a part of weeklong sensitization programme, conducted about 500 workshops in primary and middle schools in the District. The aim of the programme was to create awareness among the girl students about 'right touch' and 'wrong touch' and the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
Reportedly, the sexual abuse ranged from being inappropriately touched to eve teasing. Allegedly, upon being informed by the girls to their mothers, they expressed helplessness and fearing harsh consequences asked the girls to keep mum.
The Commission, while appreciating the initiative of the Government of Haryana to hold sensitization workshops, issued notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Haryana, calling for a report on the sexual abuse prevalent in District Rewari, including inside the school premises. He has been given four weeks time to respond.
It is also noted by the Commission that this state of affairs does not augur well for the society especially our girl children. Of course, this kind of menace cannot be fought without a change in the mindset of the people. It is very unfortunate that a state of helplessness is prevalent even among the parents, which speaks volumes about the deteriorating social fabric on the one hand and rising criminality in the society on the other.
*****
The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report alleging widespread sexual abuse of girls in District Rewari, Haryana. The Government of Haryana, as a part of weeklong sensitization programme, conducted about 500 workshops in primary and middle schools in the District. The aim of the programme was to create awareness among the girl students about 'right touch' and 'wrong touch' and the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
Reportedly, the sexual abuse ranged from being inappropriately touched to eve teasing. Allegedly, upon being informed by the girls to their mothers, they expressed helplessness and fearing harsh consequences asked the girls to keep mum.
The Commission, while appreciating the initiative of the Government of Haryana to hold sensitization workshops, issued notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Haryana, calling for a report on the sexual abuse prevalent in District Rewari, including inside the school premises. He has been given four weeks time to respond.
It is also noted by the Commission that this state of affairs does not augur well for the society especially our girl children. Of course, this kind of menace cannot be fought without a change in the mindset of the people. It is very unfortunate that a state of helplessness is prevalent even among the parents, which speaks volumes about the deteriorating social fabric on the one hand and rising criminality in the society on the other.
*****