THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Human Rights Commission has registered a case questioning the holding of school assemblies in searing heat. Commission member V. P. Mohankumar issued a notice to the Director of Public Instruction in the case, filed by Dr. Nazeema, Head of the Department of Education, Calicut University.

The complainant said that some schools, mostly private, made students stand in the sun for up to an hour. The school authorities did not care even if children fainted or suffered other physical discomforts. Students from LKG to Standard 10 were forced to attend the assembly.

Plea for roofed halls

She requested that assemblies be conducted only in roofed halls. The Commission said that those concerned could implead in the case. A hearing will be held at the Government Guest House in Kozhikode on June 16.

Staff Reporter writes from Malappuram: The Commission also sent a notice to the Principal of Bhavans Vidyasram School at Chelembra near Calicut University, seeking explanation on the fainting of several students during this year's maiden assembly on Monday.

Principal's reaction

The Principal will have to appear before the Commission on June 16 in Kozhikode. Some parents who accompanied the children to the school protested when about a dozen students fainted during the assembly under blazing sun.

Principal V.P. Menoki said children fainting during assemblies was common and there was nothing unusual about it.Those who came to school without breakfast might have swooned. "Children who can't bear the sun usually keep away from the assembly."

Parents alleged that the assembly went on for more than half an hour though several children had fainted. Mr. Menoki admitted that Monday's assembly lasted longer than usual timing.

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