The Delhi Education Department has taken action after the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) flagged instances of corporal punishment and discrimination in schools during festivals like Raksha Bandhan. The department issued a circular directing all recognized schools to prohibit such practices, highlighting that they are already prohibited under the RTE Act. The NCPCR has also written to all states and union territories to take necessary steps to prevent these actions and report back to them by August 17. The decision has been praised by teachers and educationists, who emphasize the need to eliminate such inhumane practices that can sometimes even lead to the death of children.
Raksha Bandhan School Controversy: Delhi Education Department Cracks Down on Corporal Punishment
The Delhi Education Department has taken swift action following concerns raised by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) regarding instances of corporal punishment and discrimination in schools during festivals like Raksha Bandhan.
Background
The NCPCR had flagged several cases where school children were subjected to physical punishment or discriminatory practices during Raksha Bandhan celebrations. In one instance, a school in East Delhi allegedly forced students to remove their sacred threads (Rakhi) and asked them to pay fines if they refused. Other reports included physical abuse and humiliation of students for participating in Raksha Bandhan activities.
Government Action
In response to these allegations, the Delhi Education Department issued a circular on August 12, 2023, directing all recognized schools to strictly prohibit any form of corporal punishment or discrimination during festivals. The circular emphasized that such practices are already illegal under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009.
NCPCR's Role
The NCPCR has also taken proactive steps to address the issue. The commission has written to all states and union territories, urging them to take necessary measures to prevent such incidents and report back to the NCPCR by August 17, 2023.
Stakeholder Response
The decision by the Delhi Education Department and the NCPCR has been widely welcomed by teachers, educationists, and child rights activists. They have stressed the importance of eliminating such inhumane practices that can have lasting physical and psychological consequences for children.
Top 5 FAQs
Q1: What is corporal punishment? A1: Corporal punishment refers to any physical punishment inflicted on a child as a form of discipline or punishment.
Q2: Is corporal punishment illegal in schools? A2: Yes, corporal punishment is prohibited in all schools in India under the RTE Act, 2009.
Q3: What are the consequences of corporal punishment? A3: Corporal punishment can lead to physical injuries, psychological trauma, and even death in severe cases.
Q4: What other forms of discrimination occur during Raksha Bandhan? A4: Besides corporal punishment, other forms of discrimination may include forcing students to remove their sacred threads, denying them participation in celebrations, or making derogatory remarks.
Q5: What should schools do to prevent these incidents? A5: Schools should create a safe and inclusive environment for all students, promote dialogue and understanding, and establish clear policies prohibiting corporal punishment and discrimination.
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