Corporal punishment: CBSE to warn schools

Senior HRD Ministry officials said that while CBSE has generalised guidelines against any kind of corporal punishment,the board feels that specific instructions need to be given to schools to ensure accountability in case of lapses by authorities. More humane alternatives to corporal punishment will also be suggested,sources said. CBSE had written to all schools affiliated to it in July 22 on the issue and reiterated its stand against corporal punishment in 2008. The board had suggested that teachers should instead be encouraged “to adopt alternative strategies to corporal punishment” and ensure a ‘fearless’ environments to students.

Rule 44.1 of the CBSE affiliation bye-laws empowers the school Managing Committee to take action against an employee if he is charged with cruelty towards any students or employee of the school.

Moreover,as first reported by The Indian Express,the HRD ministry has ordered comprehensive new guidelines which will define what constitutes corporal punishment,will establish accountability in case a student is subjected to corporal punishment and also bring in compensation clauses. Section 17 of the Right to Education Act also says that “No child shall be subjected to physical punishment and mental harassment”.