New Delhi, Jul 19 (IANS): The National Commission on Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) Thursday sought a report from the Karnataka government after incidents of discrimination against poor students in defiance of provisions of the Right to Education (RTE) act were reported in the state.

In a shocking incident, four students from poor families, who joined a private school in the state under RTE, recently had locks of their hair cut off to differentiate them from other students.

Taking suo moto cognisance of the case, NCPCR has asked the state education department to conduct an investigation and take necessary action. The commission has also sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) within a week.

"It has asked for details to ensure appropriate counselling to students and interaction with parents from weaker communities. Private schools in the state have been directed on RTE implementation," an NCPCR official said.

Acting on the allegation by parents of the children and several Dalit organisations, the state government Wednesday issued notice to the private-run Oxford School, asking it to respond within a week on the incident.

The apex child rights' body, headquartered in Delhi, has also directed all the states to take immediate action to ensure that no discrimination is meted out to children from poor families. In this regard, the commission has sought ATRs from all chief secretaries within 30 days.

"The commission has asked all state chief secretaries to restore the dignity of children who have been guaranteed their right to education in private schools under the RTE Act," the official said.