look news india
The Yogi government of Uttar Pradesh has issued an important notice for all schools. According to the notice, the government has reiterated its instructions to ban all types of physical and mental punishment against children in all schools. According to the notice, the guidelines are in line with the government order issued on October 10, 2007, under which corporal punishment to any child in educational institutions is completely banned.
Such incidents with children are violent
The order further states that beating children, scolding them, making them run around the campus, pinching them, hitting them with sticks, slapping them, making children sit on their knees, sexually harassing them, tormenting them, locking children in classrooms, giving them electric shocks and other similar humiliating, harmful or life-threatening acts should not be allowed. Such punishments have been deemed insensitive and violative of the rights of children.
The notice also highlights the guidelines of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), according to which it is mandatory to tell children about their right to speak out against corporal punishment. Schools, including hostels, child care homes and public institutions, need to create an environment where children can speak up.
Speak without fear
Parent-teacher committees or similar bodies should regularly review complaints and action taken on a monthly basis. Both parents and students can raise their concerns without fear of retaliation and without resorting to corporal punishment. The education department should also create review processes at the block, district and state levels to monitor complaints and action taken.
there should be no discrimination against anyone
The directives also include the Uttar Pradesh government's Right to Free and Compulsory Child Education Rules, according to which local authorities must ensure that there is no discrimination on the basis of caste, class, religion or gender. This includes preventing discriminatory behavior in classrooms, meals, playgrounds and other school facilities.
Toll free number issued
The notice said, “A toll-free number 1800-889-3277 was launched by the Chief Minister in June 2024 to address education-related grievances of students, parents and the general public. It is also directed that this toll-free number be permanently displayed on the notice board or main gate of every school in the district. Also, the complaints and suggestions received on this number will be monitored at the state level and complaints received through the portal should be resolved promptly.” Recently, the NCPCR has issued a directive to all states and union territories to take immediate action to protect children from corporal punishment and discrimination during festivals in schools. The directive comes after several reports of students being harassed for cultural and religious practices such as applying rakhi, tilak or mehndi during festivals like Raksha Bandhan.