Five-member panel led by Additional Deputy Commissioner given seven days to submit findings; government to meet entire PGI Chandigarh treatment cost
The Haryana government has ordered a detailed investigation into the incident involving a young child with special needs at a school in Panchkula, making it clear that negligence concerning the safety and protection of children in educational institutions will invite strict action. Acting on the directions of Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda, the state has constituted a five-member high-level inquiry committee and announced that it will bear the entire cost of the child’s treatment at PGI Chandigarh.
The government has also decided to undertake a comprehensive safety audit of schools across Haryana, with particular attention to the protection and supervision of young children and students with special needs. The move is aimed at identifying gaps in institutional safeguards and strengthening emergency response arrangements to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
Five-member committee to examine CCTV footage and staff accountability
Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda said the Panchkula district administration initiated an inquiry immediately after the incident. To ensure a comprehensive and impartial examination, a five-member committee headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner has been constituted.
The panel includes the District Education Officer, District Child Protection Officer, a police officer nominated by the Police Commissioner, and a special educator or child psychologist. The committee has been instructed to submit its detailed findings within seven days.
Its investigation will examine CCTV footage to reconstruct the sequence of events and establish whether the prescribed supervision arrangements were in place. The committee will specifically assess the presence and responsibilities of class teachers, assistants and special educators who were expected to be on duty.
It will also investigate possible shortcomings in the school’s safety and surveillance arrangements, including whether adequate monitoring systems were operational and whether staff members discharged their responsibilities appropriately.
Delay in medical assistance and compliance with safety rules under scrutiny
A key part of the inquiry will be to determine whether the child received timely first aid and whether there was any delay in arranging transportation to the hospital.
The committee will also assess the school’s compliance with the Ministry of Education’s School Safety and Security Guidelines, 2021, and the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The investigation is expected to establish whether the institution had adequate safeguards and appropriate support arrangements for students with special needs.
The Education Minister said the government would not overlook any lapse that compromised a child’s safety. The findings of the committee will help determine responsibility and guide further administrative and legal action.
Government to pay entire treatment expenses
The state government has assured the affected family that it will bear all expenses related to the child’s treatment at PGI Chandigarh. A senior government officer has also been assigned to coordinate with the family and assist them during this difficult period.
The government has expressed concern over the child’s condition and wished for a speedy recovery. It said the administration would remain in close contact with the family and extend all necessary assistance.
Meanwhile, the police are conducting a separate investigation in accordance with the law. The case is being examined under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, with due attention to the legal protections applicable when children are involved.
Statewide school security review to follow
Beyond the Panchkula case, the Education Department will undertake a comprehensive security assessment of schools throughout Haryana. The exercise, ordered by the Education Minister, will focus on three critical areas: supervision and care of younger students, particularly those with special needs; the functioning and coverage of CCTV surveillance systems; and the effectiveness of emergency response mechanisms.
The audit is intended to identify institutional weaknesses and ensure that schools have adequate arrangements to respond promptly to emergencies. It will also place greater emphasis on the responsibilities of teaching and support staff in maintaining a safe environment for every child.
Public and media urged to protect children’s identities
The government and district administration have appealed to the public and media organisations not to circulate videos, photographs or any identifying details connected with the incident. Authorities have emphasised that the identities of the children and the school must remain confidential in accordance with Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
The provision is intended to protect children from stigma, unwanted publicity and potential psychological or social harm. Sharing identifying information in violation of the law can attract penal consequences.
The Haryana government has reiterated that the child’s welfare remains its immediate priority and that anyone found responsible for negligence will face appropriate action following the inquiry and investigation. The administration has also stressed that the wider review of school safety must translate into stronger supervision, accountability and protection for children across the state.
