New Delhi, Aug. 10:
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has recommended
the banning of all forms of corporal punishment in schools, including
even "small acts’’. Holding the view that there should be no gradations
while judging corporal punishment, the commission has directed states
to take effective steps to check incidents of corporal punishment in
schools. In the wake of recent incidents of violence in schools,
Chairman of the commission Shantha Sinha has written to state
governments and Union Territories asking them to adopt steps that will
empower children to make complaints and not accept punishment as a
"normal" activity of the school.
The commission has noted that "all forms of corporal punishment are a
fundamental breach of human rights". Citing direction of the Supreme
Court regarding ban on corporal punishment in schools, Ms Sinha has
said in her letter addressed to chief secretaries of all states, that
the onus of responsibility in safeguarding children from punishment
lies with the schools teachers, administration as well as the school
management at all levels.
The commission has directed the education departments of all states to
ensure that all children are informed through campaigns and publicity
drives that they have a right to speak against corporal punishment and
bring it to the notice of the authorities. The commission has also said
that every school, including hostels, JJ homes, shelter homes and other
public institutions meant for children should have a forum where
children can express their views. Moreover, every school should have a
dropbox, where children can drop their complaints, even if anonymous,
stated the Child Rights Commission.
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