Though the move to install suggestion boxes in schools by the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) is a good step, much more work is needed to be done on the same.
However, observers point out that much more needs to be done to actually ensure that the children benefit from the suggestion boxes.“The suggestion boxes have been installed in various Kendriya Vidyalays and in some private schools as well,” informed the chairperson of SCPCR, Usha Negi.
When asked about the reason why the SCPCR has not been able to finish what it had started for the welfare of children, she said that the meeting with Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will be conducted soon after which all the private schools and public schools will install suggestion boxes. “We have given directions to the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) to put a suggestion box in place, soon a meeting will be conducted with the CBSE for the same,” said Negi.
“Though the social media is helping a lot in this as most of the times we receive messages and complaints through WhatsApp, the suggestion box is helpful when people or students want to hide their identity,” she informed. She gave an example that if in case an anti drugs campaign is going on, the informer can confidentially give information about the kids who are involved and about the peddlers without revealing his/her identity.
Negi said that the campaign is in its starting phase and people are hesitant to use the box as of now hence, it will take time to make them aware about it. “The boxes are installed on the gates of the schools so that the suggestions and complaints can be initiated without hesitation,” she said.