Team Herald
PANJIM: Almost a fortnight after two teachers were arrested from a Colvale school for allegedly beating up a minor student for tearing pages from his book, the Goa Government on Monday issued a circular ordering all educational institutions to adopt and enforce a zero tolerance policy towards corporal punishment.
Director of Education Shailesh Zingde in a circular has stated that all educational institutions in the State must both adopt and enforce a zero tolerance policy towards corporal punishment and any violation should be reported immediately adding that several such instances were still being reported in many schools despites existing regulations.
“ It is matter of grave concern as it directly affects the physical and psychological well being of the child and hinders the overall development of the affected children,” Zingde stated and added that the Education Department has reiterated that section 17 of the Right to Education Act, 2009, imposes an absolute ban on corporal punishment.
“Further, Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act prescribes punishment for cruelty to child whenever he or she is assaulted, abused, exposed or neglected in a manner to cause physical or mental suffering by any person employed by or managing an organisation, which is entrusted with the care and protection of children, the punishment would be rigorous imprisonment up to three years and fine up to Rs 5 lakh and on account of the aforesaid cruelty, if the child is physically incapacitated or develops a mental illness or is rendered mentally unfit to perform regular tasks or has risk to life or limb, then the imprisonment may extend up to ten years,” he warned
Zingde directed schools to organise regular training sessions and workshop for teaching and non-teaching staff to emphasise positive and constructive disciplinary practices.
“Schools must establish a transparent mechanism for students to report any grievances related to corporal punishment. These complaints should be monitored diligently and immediately action must be taken. Schools should provide access to counselling services for students to promote a supporting and nurturing educational environment,” the circular has said.
The Directorate of Education will conduct periodic audits to ensure compliance with the directives and if any institution is found in violation will face appropriate disciplinary action, it has added.