A toll-free number the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights had planned to start for school students and their parents in August last year is yet to introduced.

The number was aimed at receiving complaints from parents and their wards on any irregularities at schools.

“We have completed all the formalities and the number would be introduced soon,” chairperson of the commission Nisha Jha said.

In August last year, Jha had told The Telegraph that the toll-free number would be introduced within a month’s time.

She had said that the objective behind introducing the number was to learn about the irregularities in schools, so that the problems could be addressed. On why the number is yet to be started, “We had the problem of funds,” was Jha’s brief response.

Through the number the commission wanted to ensure that the students did not suffer (getting punishments unnecessarily) in any manner.

Commission sources said the parents who complained against the schools did not wish to be quoted, as they feared that their children would have to bear the brunt. The commission also received complaints from parents regarding problems they faced in procuring a transfer certificate.

Jha had admitted that parents had many complaints even against private schools.

Many parents said a toll-free number would help them get in touch with the commission.