Bagalkot, 29 Jan

The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) has issued a show-cause notice to a government school in Alabal village in Bagalkot district over its students washing plates with sewage water.

The headmaster of the school, Nanda Bhimaji Kulkarni was asked to reply within three days or face disciplinary action.

The image of children from the Government Higher Primary School washing their plates using water from a pipe located beside an open drain after their mid-day meals, has gone viral, drawing criticism from the public

The incident occurred due to the lack of proper drinking water and hand-washing facilities in the school.

The shocking scene was brought to light when a person, Shivalinga Ninganur on 28 January posted the viral photograph on his Facebook account. Within hours of being uploaded, people lashed out at the education department.  He also tagged the local MLA in the post.

Residents of Alabal demanded strict action against the teachers and officials responsible for this incident.

KSCPCR chairman Shashidhar S Kosambe told Salar News, “A suo motu complaint was registered against headmaster and teachers of the government school in Alabal and members of the School Development and Monitoring Committee based on the viral photo.”

“The deputy director, school education department, field education officers and district child protection officers were instructed to visit the school and take necessary action,” Kosambe added.

The deputy director of Public Instruction, Ajit Mannikeri told Salar News, "I have visited the school today to inspect the lack of adequate facilities for students at the school in Alabal.” Salar News