New York: Maoists and Indian authorities should protect schools and children's access to education during the upcoming Bihar state elections, Human Rights Watch has said.

The use of schools by police and paramilitary forces as bases during the election campaign can disrupt students' access to education and may increase the likelihood of Maoist attacks on schools, it said on Tuesday.

A new 243-seat Bihar assembly is to be elected in six phases from October 21. A key reason for the staggered election is to deploy security forces around the state to prevent anticipated violence from the Maoists.

Human Rights Watch called upon the Maoists, also known as Naxalites, to end attacks on schools and for the authorities to consider alternatives before deploying security forces in educational facilities.

During election campaigns, police and paramilitary forces frequently occupy school buildings as bases, generally for a few days, Human Rights Watch said. IANS