Karnataka High Court Green Signals 'Doorstep School' Project Of BBMP For Destitute Children

A division bench of Chief Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Suraj Govindaraj said the authorities should ensure that norms regarding maintenance of social distancing and wearing of face masks should be scrupulously followed.

Advocate Sreenidhi V appearing for the corporation submitted a memo to the court giving details of the schools. It is stated that the doorstep school will be started immediately in Doddagollara Hatti and Hosakerehalli (Rajarajeshwari Nagar Zone). Each bus can accommodate with maintaining of physical distance up to 10-15 children. Each bus will have two teachers and one helper.

Further, it is said each bus contains white board and necessary basic study materials. The children will be provided with mid-day meal and each bus will have a few condiments like biscuits and chocolates. The bus will contain disposable water cans along with use and throw cups; The timings of the school will be between 11:00 AM to 01:00 PM.

The civic body has submitted the memo while hearing a petition filed by Letzkit Foundation. The plea highlighted the issue of children being forced to sell toys, flowers etc. on the streets of Bengaluru and in particular, at traffic junctions.

The court had earlier directed the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority to carry out a data collection survey of children. The bench in its order had said "The ultimate object of the Data Collection Survey is to render all possible assistance to the vulnerable children and especially, in the matter of their education and their rights under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 as well as Articles 21 and 21A of the Constitution of India." It added "The issue is of deprivation of the right to live a decent and meaningful life guaranteed to the children under Article 21 of the Constitution of India."