Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) seeks documents from complainant over demands for a statewide safety audit of government schools, covering infrastructure, sanitation, drinking water, electrical safety, accessibility and child protection.
The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC), headed by Justice Arindam Lodh, has directed a complainant to produce relevant documents in support of a complaint seeking a comprehensive statewide audit of safety and basic facilities in government schools across Tripura.
The commission passed the direction after examining a complaint received through email from Nemichand Meena, a social activist from Kalakhana in Rajasthan. The complaint sought the intervention of the human rights body to protect the life, safety, health, dignity, privacy and educational rights of children studying in government schools across the state.
The complainant alleged that several government schools may have unsafe infrastructure and inadequate basic facilities, potentially exposing students to risks. The complaint called for preventive action and a detailed assessment of school infrastructure before any accident, injury or other serious incident takes place.
Among the concerns highlighted in the complaint were allegedly unsafe or dilapidated school buildings, including damaged roofs, walls, floors, staircases and boundary walls. It also raised concerns regarding electrical systems, playground equipment and other facilities that could pose safety risks to children if not properly maintained.
The complaint further pointed to issues related to access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities in government schools. It sought the availability of separate and functional toilets for boys and girls, proper sanitation arrangements and adequate menstrual hygiene facilities for female students.
Accessibility for children with disabilities was also included among the concerns. The complainant sought appropriate infrastructure to ensure that students with disabilities can access educational institutions and facilities without facing avoidable barriers.
A key demand placed before the THRC was for an independent, technical and physical Human Rights and School Safety Audit of all government schools in Tripura. The complainant argued that the proposed assessment should not rely solely on departmental records, official reports or photographs, but should involve physical verification of conditions on the ground.
The complaint also sought the classification of government schools according to different levels of safety risk. Schools found to have unsafe buildings or infrastructure were proposed to be identified for immediate repair, renovation or reconstruction, depending on the severity of the condition.
It further requested physical verification of compliance with infrastructure and safety standards prescribed under the Right to Education Act. The proposed audit was expected to cover multiple areas, including fire safety, electrical safety, drinking water, sanitation, playgrounds, kitchens, first-aid facilities, disaster preparedness and accessibility for students with disabilities.
The complainant also sought the preparation of school-wise and district-wise reports following the proposed audit. Other demands included fixing accountability in cases involving alleged negligence by responsible officials, submission of Action Taken Reports and follow-up inspections to ensure that identified deficiencies are addressed within a reasonable timeframe.
However, the Tripura Human Rights Commission has not issued directions on the substantive demands contained in the complaint at this stage.
Instead, after perusing the matter, the commission directed the complainant to submit the relevant documents and supporting materials on which the complaint was based. The documents are expected to provide the basis for further consideration of the allegations and demands raised before the commission.
The order stated that the complainant must produce the required documents positively within the stipulated period. The commission has fixed the next hearing of the matter after 15 days.
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The development means that the demand for a statewide school safety audit remains under consideration, with the THRC awaiting documentary support before taking a decision on whether further action or directions are necessary. The case has drawn attention to broader concerns surrounding school infrastructure, student safety and the availability of essential facilities in government educational institutions across Tripura.
