Sixteen kindergarten students of an all girls school in Delhi's Hauz Qazi area were allegedly kept locked in the basement of their school for hours for non payment of fees.
Reports suggest that students were locked in the basement of the school between 7:30 am and 12:30 pm in the heat without any food or water in the extreme heat.
NDTV quoted one of the parents as saying, "Children were locked in the basement for not paying the fees. I had cleared the fees, despite that my child was punished. The children were thirsty and were suffering in the heat. Police helped us. Even after I showed the proof of fees clearance, the Principal was not apologetic or remorseful."
The principal of the school has allegedly denied the allegations.
Hindustan Times quoted the principal telling the media, "The basement is not a punishment place; it is an activity room where children play and learn music. It is a kind of classroom."
The police have said that a case has been registered against the school.
Delhi: Case has been registered against Rabea Girls' Public School for allegedly illegally confining students in the basement of the premises on the grounds of default in payment of school fees.
— ANI (@ANI) July 10, 2018
The Hindustan Times report says that a case was registered under Section 342 (wrongful confinement) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 75 (cruelty to child) of the Juvenile Justice Act.
Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights member Anurag Kundu said that they will look into the matter.
Have just received complaint against Rabia School harassing students for fee non-payment. Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) has set up inquiry team. It will visit school & initiate inquiry tomorrow itself. Zero tolerance of violation of dignity of children.
— Anurag Kundu (@AnuragKunduAK) July 10, 2018
Will initiate action against erring officials for violation of Right to Education & ensure children's admission within 24 hours. Share mother's contact details privately. Delhi commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR), Delhi Govt committed to protecting children's rights https://t.co/vQi7QhcHZH
— Anurag Kundu (@AnuragKunduAK) July 10, 2018
A teacher said that there was confusion about the fees since some students had not submitted "teacher copies".
The Hindu quoted a teacher as saying, ""There was confusion over fee submission as the school was not informed by the school administration. It will be clarified with the accounts section. Some parents have not submitted a 'teacher copy' to the school and it created the confusion."