Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation's education department has identified significant lapses at the school level in connection with the recent sexual abuse case involving a dance teacher at a reputed school in Karvenagar. The findings were detailed in a report submitted to the Deputy Director of Education.
The investigation revealed several deficiencies in adhering to safety protocols outlined in the Government Resolution dated August 21.
Key observations include the school's failure to conduct character verification of teachers and staff, a delay by the principal in reporting the incident to the education department within the stipulated 24-hour window, and inadequate precautions regarding student safety when granting the accused teacher permission to conduct private dance classes outside school hours and on holidays.
However, the report also highlighted some positive measures implemented by the school. These include the installation of 210 CCTV cameras with a one-month data backup, the availability of a complaint box for students, the formation of committees such as the Sakhi-Savitri Committee and the Student Safety Committee, and the appointment of female staff for pre-primary classes. Additionally, the school has employed a counselor for students.
In response to the findings, the municipal education department has issued a show-cause notice to the school, seeking an explanation for the lapses. "Further action will be taken as per government regulations," said Deputy Director of Education Haroon Attar.
This investigation follows the revelation of sexual abuse incidents wherein a dance teacher allegedly showed obscene videos to students on their mobile phones before committing the offenses. A three-member committee, formed by the education department, conducted a preliminary inspection of the school to investigate the matter.
