NHRC notice to Haryana over girls' harassment

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a response from Haryana's chief secretary and director general of police over media reports that panchayats of six villages have decided against sending girls to school over fears of sexual harassment.

The NHRC has sought reports from the two officials over the issue within a month.

The commission also directed them to inform it about the incidents of sexual harassment of teenaged girls in Haryana during the last three months and, particularly, in the six villages which have been referred to in the press reports, said a statement late Friday.

The NHRC's direction came after it took note of the media reports that said the panchayats unanimously decided not to send girls to schools from May 13 due to alleged inaction by police and school authorities in ensuring their safety.

According to reports, the decision will affect 400 girl students of Pal, Gadania, Kherki, Nihalawas, Kuksi and Palah villages in Mahendergarh district.

Similar situation arose in the state's Rewari district a few months ago when around 50 girls were stopped from attending school because of the persistent problem of sexual harassment.