SHRC takes serious note over ragging incidents

Bangalore, Oct 24 (UNI) Taking strong exception over the spurt in the incidents of ragging in many educational institutions the State, State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) today issued notice to the state government asking it to take measures taken to check the menace.

Talking to newspersons here, its Chairman Justice S R Nayak said the Commission had taken serious note of ragging incidents, which continued to haunt large number of educational institutions, particularly in Bangalore. ''We have asked the government to file an affidavit on the issue'', said Justice S R Nayak.

Referring to media reports over such incidents, Justice Nayak said, ''SHRC asks the government to take stern action against those responsible for such incidents and bring in foolproof methods to prevent it''.

The SHRC also set deadline of one month to the government to file report on the issue, he said.

Justice Nayak said government's attention was also drawn towards the deplorable state of affairs in Observation Homes where Juvenile prisoners were kept, while directing the government to adhere to the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2000 in providing proper facilities.

On SHRC team's visit to Menasinahadya village where three people were killed in police encounter, he said he and the team heard the version of both the police and the members of the victims' family.

The SHRC had received several memorandums from the villages in the naxal-affected areas on the failure of the government in providing basic amenities to the residents of forest area and subsequent threats received from Maoists.

The government had ordered a magisterial inquiry into the Menasinahadya incident while national SHRC had also sought a similar inquiry from district police.

The SHRC had asked the district administration to ensure the availability of basic needs of the people, including access to education, health and proper road conditions, Justice Nayak added.

UNI