Haryana Human Rights Panel Orders Probe into Violations at Special Needs Facility

Broken Equipment, Neglect, and Abuse Alleged at SIRTAR

The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has directed an urgent investigation into alleged human rights violations at the State Institute for Rehabilitation, Training, and Research (SIRTAR) in Rohtak. This action follows a complaint highlighting serious neglect, unsafe conditions, and mistreatment of special needs children at the facility.

The complaint was filed by the father of a child with special needs, who detailed multiple deficiencies in therapy services, transport, and overall care. The commission, led by Justice Lalit Batra, has instructed Rohtak Divisional Commissioner Phool Chand Meena—who also chairs SIRTAR’s managing committee—to submit a compliance report on these violations.

Disturbing Findings: Broken Equipment and Unsafe Transport

According to the complaint, physiotherapy workshops at the institute are in a state of disrepair, with broken and outdated equipment that has not been fixed despite repeated complaints. Special needs children, who rely on these services for essential therapy, have been left without adequate rehabilitation tools.

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Additionally, the school transport system is reportedly unsafe. The buses, hired on contract, were found to have:

• Torn seats and broken windows—some covered with cardboard
• Lack of CCTV cameras, violating government safety regulations
• Reports of mistreatment by bus attendants and conductors

The complainant further alleged that teachers trained in speech therapy neglect their duties, leading to deterioration in the speech abilities of children. Another major concern was the absence of a functioning parents’ association, a requirement under the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) guidelines.

The hygiene conditions at the facility were also flagged, with unclean and unhygienic toilets posing a serious health risk to the children.

HHRC Calls for Immediate Action and Inspection

Justice Lalit Batra found the allegations to be grave violations of human rights and statutory obligations. In response, he issued a directive for an independent audit of the facility, covering:

• Therapy services – Immediate repair and upgrade of physiotherapy equipment
• Qualified staff – Hiring of trained physiotherapists and speech therapists, along with strict monitoring of teacher performance
• Safety measures – Installation of CCTV cameras in physiotherapy rooms to prevent negligence or abuse
• Transport safety – Inspection of school buses to ensure compliance with safety standards

The Rohtak Divisional Commissioner has been asked to submit a compliance report before the commission by July 22, detailing the steps taken to address these serious violations.

Ensuring Dignity and Rights for Special Needs Children

The HHRC’s intervention underscores the importance of dignity, safety, and quality care for special needs children. Facilities like SIRTAR play a critical role in their rehabilitation, but neglect and mismanagement can lead to severe harm. The commission’s orders aim to restore proper standards and accountability at the institution.

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