300 playschools functional in violation of norms in 3 Haryana districts: Govt survey

In a survey conducted by the Women and Child Development Department, more than 300 playschools have been found operational in violation of the established guidelines in Rewari, Jhajjar and Rohtak districts.

Advertisement

According to survey, 220 playschools in Rewari, 50 in Jhajjar and 30 in Rohtak were found running without proper registration and infrastructure.

These playschools have been issues show-cause notices, directing them to register within a week and comply with safety and operational norms.

“The survey was carried out in the wake of recent tragic incidents at play schools in Sirsa and Faridabad, where two children lost their lives. The authorities took serious note of the situation and instructed district offices to identify unregistered play schools in their respective areas,” said a source in the department.

Following the directives, the survey was conducted at the district headquarters to identify schools that fail to meet basic infrastructure and safety criteria.

Many of the flagged schools are operating from residential areas without meeting the minimum standards — adequate space, safety measures, cleanliness and hygiene —required under the guidelines of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights.

In Rewari district, 93 playschools in rural areas, 60 in urban parts, 31 in Khol block, 23 in Bawal and nine in Jatusana block were found to be in violation.

In Rohtak, 17 schools in Meham and 13 in Sampla blocks have been found operational without registration, said an official on condition of anonymity.

He said, “After the tragic incidents in Sirsa and Faridabad, the department is in no mood to grant relaxation to play schools that flout rules or ignore mandatory safety norms. This survey is part of a the statewide exercise to identify such institutions and take necessary action.”