The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that a class VI student of a state-run residential school for girls-Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidayalaya in Garhwa district of Jharkhand became pregnant and was forced to consume abortion pills by the school administration to prevent the institution from falling into disrepute.
(Representative photo )
Shockingly as the medicine was given without consulting a doctor, the girl's condition worsened to an extent that she had to be rushed to the Garhwa Sadar Hospital where she was found two months' pregnant. Doctors carried out a proper abortion to save her life. The notice was served on January 30.
In this notice, the Commission has observed that the contents of the news report are not only shocking but painful. The rights of the victim girl to life, dignity and medical care have been violated due to the negligent and irrational act of the school authorities. Accordingly, it has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Jharkhand calling for a detailed report in the matter within four weeks. He has also been asked to inform the Commission about the steps taken for relief, medical care and proper counseling of the victim girl.
According to the media report, published on the January 29, 2017, the incident took place on January 24, 2017 but the family of the girl was informed two days later. The school authorities remained tightlipped about the incident. Reportedly, the police authorities have said that punitive action will be taken if the victim's family lodges a complaint. However, the District Education Superintendent has stated that a probe is on and the truth will come out to the fore. The victim was in trauma and not in a position of speak.