Jaipur: In alarming revelations, over 60 complaints of molestation, sexual harassment, and inappropriate behavior by govt school teachers and administrative staff were reported by girl students in Rajasthan from 2022 to 2025, according to data presented in the state assembly. The highest incidence of these cases was recorded in 2024, raising serious concerns regarding the safety of girl students in educational institutions.The assembly report indicates that 53 cases were documented within the secondary education department, while 11 were reported in elementary education over the four-year timeframe. Jodhpur emerged as the district with the most notable occurrences, tallying eight complaints, followed by Sriganganagar with six, and both Pali and Sawai Madhopur with five each.Additionally, during the period from Jan 2024 to Jan 2026, four cases of sexual harassment and related offenses surfaced in govt colleges, including prominent institutions such as Govt College and Govt Law College in Ajmer, as well as Govt Girls’ College in Kota. A notable incident also arose at MBM University, Jodhpur, where Pulkit Gupta, head of the Department of Architecture and Town Planning, faced allegations of multiple offenses, leading to decisions for his dismissal.The nature of complaints from students has been deeply troubling, detailing allegations of molestation, obscene phone acts, and indecent behaviour. In one alarming case, an accused was reported to have engaged in inappropriate phone communication with a schoolgirl from a hostel.In response to these complaints, the education department initiated inquiries, leading to various actions, including suspensions and terminations. While three of the four cases reported in higher education institutions were purportedly resolved amicably, a disciplinary process remains ongoing in one case.School education expert and former senior adviser to UNICEF, KB Kothari voiced his concerns, underscoring that “such cases being reported from schools are alarming as it violates the dignity of a child.” He further warned that such incidents could adversely affect students’ education, often resulting in prolonged absences and potential dropouts due to the stigma associated with reporting such violations.
