Investigation requested into unauthorized schools for northeastern children

A legal organization is calling for an investigation into private schools in Karnataka that may be illegally housing children from northeastern States. The People’s Legal Forum expressed their concerns to the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights. The call for action follows a tragic incident where two children from Meghalaya died from food poisoning at a school hostel in Mandya district. The forum's director, P.P. Baburaj, highlighted that this incident raised questions about the welfare of northeastern children in private educational institutions. Baburaj noted that many of these schools could be hosting children under 18 without proper authorization. He stressed that these institutions should report the information about the children to the appropriate authorities, which currently seems to be lacking. The forum's director questions the circumstances of these children's education. He asks about parental consent for their stay, the language of instruction, and their overall wellbeing. Furthermore, he wants to know how the children were brought to Karnataka and if they remain in contact with their families. Legal actions have already been taken against the Malavalli institution due to the deaths and illnesses. However, Baburaj insists that a broader investigation is necessary to understand the situation of all private schools and orphanages in Karnataka that may house children from northeastern States.