TGHRC Intervenes: Judicial Mandate Issued Over Exploitation of Students for Menial Labor in Hyderabad Schools
(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
HYDERABAD – 5, February,2026 – Taking a stern view of systemic child rights violations, the Telangana Government Human Rights Commission (TGHRC) has formally initiated Suo-motu proceedings against the School Education Department following reports of students being forced into manual labour.
The Allegations: Education vs. Exploitation
The intervention, led by Smt. Sivadi Praveena, Hon’ble Member (Judicial), stems from a distressing report published on February 4, 2026. The report alleges that students from Classes I through X in various government and aided schools across Hyderabad are being utilized as substitute janitors. Due to a chronic shortage of official sweepers, children are reportedly being compelled to:
- Sweep classrooms and corridors.
- Dispose of garbage and perform menial cleaning tasks.
- Endure threats and physical punishment upon refusal to comply.
The Legal Framework
The Commission noted that such practices are not merely administrative lapses but constitute a “gravity of allegations” that breach several statutory protections:
- Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009: Ensuring a safe and dignified learning environment.
- Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015: Protecting minors from any form of exploitation or cruelty.
Judicial Directives
Citing a serious violation of child rights, the Commission has issued a formal summons for accountability. The Principal Secretary of the School Education Department and the District Educational Officer (DEO), Hyderabad, have been directed to provide:
- A Factual Status Report: On the current availability (or lack thereof) of sweepers in district schools.
- An Action-Taken Report: Detailing disciplinary measures against school officials who authorized or ignored student labour.
- Compliance Strategy: A roadmap to ensure strict adherence to child protection laws moving forward.
“The classroom is a sanctuary for learning, not a source of coerced labour. The dignity of the student is non-negotiable under the law.”
The matter is officially docketed for further hearing and submission of reports on February 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM.
