The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government over dilapidated primary school buildings in Etawah and has given four weeks to the Chief Secretary to file a reply.

A NHRC communiqué released on Wednesday, said it had taken suo motu cognisance of media report that 209 primary school buildings in Etawah were in dilapidated condition due to which the students were forced to attend their classes in the open fearing for their lives.

It said the school managements had reportedly made several verbal and written complaints to the authorities in Education department but the repairs had not been done, apparently due to shortage of funds.

The NHRC observed that the contents of the media reports, if true, amounted to gross violation of human rights of the students and teachers. It said dilapidated buildings were definitely threats to the lives of students, teachers and other staff of respective schools.

Accordingly, the NHRC issued notice to UP Chief Secretary to submit a detailed report along with statistics within four weeks, addressing the issues raised in the news report, giving details about action being taken or proposed to be taken by the state government to tackle the situation.

The NHRC also observed that it was the duty of the state to ensure that there be no hurdle for students and teachers in the process of imparting education.

It said after amendment in the Constitution by way of 86th Constitution Amendment Act, 2002, Right to Education has now become a fundamental right under Article 21A of the Constitution of India and providing proper atmosphere at the time of imparting education was a constitutional obligation of the state and any inaction on its part amounted to infringement of right to dignity and equality to students, which are their basic human rights.

On Wednesday, media reports said that UP Education department had conducted a survey which revealed that there were 1,238 primary and 537 junior schools in Etawah district out of which 209 were in very bad condition. The schools situated at Naurangabad, Pansaritola, Police Lines, Chhipaiti, Pakka Talab and Katra Shamsher Khan were found to be in very bad shape.

Headmistress of Pakka Talab junior high school reportedly requested for construction of concrete roof in the school. She also stated that the school building was in a dangerous state due to which classes were being conducted in the open.

District basic education officer of Etawah stated that funds were not provided in 2011 due to which repairs could not be taken up.

Meanwhile, the NHRC also took suo motu cognisance of media reports that three labourers died and two others were injured due to electrocution while fixing poles in Bareilly district. The contractor had no permission from Power department for the work. The labourers were engaged for laying Reliance Jio 5G cable on the poles.

The NHRC observed that going by the contents of the reports on Wednesday, there was gross negligence on part of the contractor. It said right to life, which was one of basic human rights, of the deceased labourers and the injured were violated and the incident also put a question mark on the working of authorities concerned, who could not stop illegal work being done by the contractor.

Accordingly, it issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, seeking a detailed report along with relief and rehabilitation provided to the family members of the deceased and injured in the mishap. It also sought details of medical treatment being provided to the injured and legal action taken against officials and the contractor responsible of the mishap. The detailed report has been sought within four weeks.