Arunachal Child Rights Panel Calls for School Safety Reforms

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The Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR) has called for sweeping reforms to improve student safety in private educational institutions across the state. The recommendations follow the alleged sexual abuse of at least eight minor girls at a private school in Roing. This incident has raised serious concerns about the adequacy of existing safeguards in schools.

On 8 August 2025, APSCPCR Chairperson Ratan Anya, along with Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul, formally presented the commission’s report to Education Minister P. D. Sona in Itanagar. The document outlines a series of measures aimed at preventing such incidents and strengthening oversight mechanisms.

Among the key proposals is the permanent closure of Mount Carmel Mission School, where the alleged abuse took place. The panel also urged disciplinary action against Good Will Academy for reportedly sharing its Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) code with Mount Carmel Mission School. According to the commission, such practices undermine transparency and make monitoring difficult.

The APSCPCR has recommended that thorough audits of all private schools be carried out regularly by an independent School Safety and Audit Board. This board would include representatives from the government, law enforcement, education experts, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), ensuring that inspections are both credible and comprehensive.

The report also calls for stricter regulation of unplanned school growth, citing concerns that rapid expansion without proper oversight can compromise safety standards. It advises the creation of a statewide hostel policy, setting minimum age requirements for boarders and clear operational guidelines to safeguard students living away from their families.

In addition, the panel has urged the state government to enforce policies that prevent schools from renting out premises for unrelated activities, a measure intended to maintain the integrity and safety of school environments.

Education Minister P. D. Sona acknowledged receiving the report and assured that the recommendations would be reviewed carefully. He emphasised that the safety of students must be a top priority and that the government is committed to ensuring secure learning environments across Arunachal Pradesh.

The APSCPCR’s proposals have received support from various quarters, including parents, educators, and child rights advocates. Stakeholders believe that prompt implementation of these measures could restore public trust in the state’s private education sector and provide children with the safe learning spaces they deserve.

The legal process in the Roing case is ongoing. Authorities have stressed that while justice for the victims is essential, prevention through stronger safeguards is equally important to protect students in the future.