AAP calls for stricter regulation, inspection of playschools

Amid reports of child abuse at playschools in the national capital, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today demanded an inspection of all such centres even as it charged that negligence by the education department had led to the mushrooming of such unauthorised establishments.
"The Delhi administration should immediately order a mandatory inspection of all playschools in the national capital.
"Those found to be not adhering to safety guidelines for children should be shut down without delay," the party said in a statement here.
AAP raised the issue in the wake of recent reports of a three-year-old girl allegedly being raped by a playschool owner's son in Hari Nagar area of west Delhi and a two-and-a -half-year-old girl reportedly molested by a playschool attendant in the Rohini area of outer district.

"These shocking incidents have exposed the unpardonable negligence of the education department in allowing unauthorised schools to mushroom, which are fast becoming a threat to the society," AAP said.
"The education department needs to crack down immediately on such schools, which appear to have been opened with the intention of minting money under fancy names to mislead parents, who fall into their trap," the party added.

It is the education department's duty to ensure that the growth of playschools is regulated in accordance with strict guidelines so as to ensure the safety of children.
"AAP demands that the entire area in and around these playschools be brought under CCTV surveillance. Also, proper security checks should be carried out by them before employing teaching and non-teaching staff," AAP said.

The party also called for the records of private vans, etc. To be verified and displayed at schools before parents are allowed to opt for their services.
"These minimum standards for children's safety should be made mandatory for any playschool before it is allowed to admit children.
"If any school fails to fulfil these, it must be shut down without delay. AAP has asked all its Assembly in-charges in the city to collect information about playschools, which will be provided to the Delhi administration to make it aware about the sorry state of affairs," the party added.