No Playground, Inadequate Classrooms: Haryana Rights Commission Takes Note of 104 Student Complaints

The Haryana Human Rights Commission has taken serious note of 104 complaints filed by students of Government Senior Secondary School, Gohana, in Sonepat district, regarding inadequate infrastructure and alleged encroachments around the school premises.
Interestingly, all 104 students submitted their complaints separately through individual postcards, raising concerns about basic facilities at the school.
Students flag several infrastructure issues
The students have highlighted the non-availability of a playground, inadequate classroom space and ventilation, and a lack of sufficient sports and laboratory facilities. They have also alleged encroachments around the school premises.
The students have sought the removal of the alleged encroachments and the development of the school building and playground on land stated to be available for the institution.
Commission links infrastructure with right to education
In its order, Haryana Human Rights Commission Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra observed that children’s right to education is closely linked to the availability of safe, quality and adequate school infrastructure.
He noted that proper infrastructure, adequate ventilation, sufficient learning space and facilities for sports and physical activities are connected with the health, dignity and safety of children, as well as their meaningful access to education.
However, Justice Batra made it clear that the allegations contained in the complaints require factual verification before any final conclusion can be reached.
State education authorities asked to inspect school
The commission has directed the Director General, Secondary Education, Haryana, through the District Education Officer (DEO), Sonepat, to conduct a physical inspection of the school and submit a detailed factual report.
The report is required to cover the total land recorded in the name or possession of the school and its present status. Authorities have also been asked to provide details regarding the availability and condition of the playground, the number and dimensions of classrooms, ventilation and natural light, and essential facilities such as laboratories, sports facilities, toilets and drinking water.
The authorities must also provide details of the sanctioned strength of the school and its currentstudent enrolment.
Status of 3.5-acre land to be verified
The commission has specifically directed officials to verify the ownership and status of the alleged 3.5-acre land. Authorities have been asked to clarify whether the land is earmarked or available for construction of the school building or development of a playground.
The report must also indicate whether the existing school infrastructure complies with the Haryana School Education Rules and other applicable norms.
DC asked to verify encroachment allegations
The Deputy Commissioner, Sonepat, has been directed to have the ownership and status of the land, along with the allegations of encroachment, verified through the competent revenue or local authority.
If any encroachment is found on land belonging to or earmarked for the school, the authorities have been asked to specify the action proposed for its removal.
The commission has also sought recent photographs of the school building, classrooms, laboratory, workshop, playground, surrounding land and alleged encroachments. A site plan or demarcation report clearly showing the school land and any portion under encroachment has also been sought.
Authorities asked about temporary arrangements
The commission has further asked officials to state whether immediate or temporary arrangements are required for sports and other essential facilities for students while permanent remedial measures are being considered.
Dr Puneet Arora, Assistant Registrar, said the matter is next listed before the commission on November 4. All concerned authorities have been directed to submit the required reports at least one week before the next hearing.
The complaint has been treated as the main complaint, and the commission's present order will govern the remaining 103 connected complaints involving identical or substantially similar issues.