A complaint has been lodged against the unauthorized use of a government-leased building in Kovvur town, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh. The building, which is meant to accommodate children from the Backward Classes (BC) in a residential hostel, has reportedly been used for religious activities, sparking concerns about the rights of the students residing there.
The hostel, which houses over 55 students from 3rd to 10th standard, is located near the BSNL office in Bapuji Nagar. However, according to a report published in Eenadu Telugu Daily, it has come to light that Christian prayer sessions and other religious gatherings are being held regularly within the premises, causing disturbance among the students.
Church activities in the BC Welfare Children Hostel, Kovvur, AP, violate Article 28(3) of the Constitution, raising grave concerns over safety, welfare of children & secular integrity of Govt's hostel system.
Urged @NCPCR_ to take strict action.
Cc: @naralokesh gaaru. pic.twitter.com/MkfFt8Mjdr
— Legal Rights Protection Forum (@lawinforce) February 4, 2025
In a formal complaint addressed to the Chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Activist watchdog, Legal Rights Protection Forum, condemned this practice, highlighting its violation of the Indian Constitution. Specifically, Article 28(3) prohibits the imposition of religious activities on students in educational institutions receiving state funds.
The complaint raises alarm over the possibility of religious influence being used to target children for conversion, a practice that he argues threatens the secular nature of the country and the well-being of minor children.
The Legal Rights Protection Forum has called for an immediate investigation into the matter and for the government to take appropriate action to ensure the rights of the children are protected. The forum expressed concerns over the misuse of public property and the breach of constitutional rights concerning religious freedom in educational spaces.
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