Says school safety a complex issue, students in rural schools subjected to corporal punishments
Faizan Wani
Srinagar: For the first time, the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has expressed its concern over the safety of the students in schools in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to wire service—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), in the wake of MHA’s directive, the schools have been asked to frame a security and safety plan and framework of action for schools citing that the safety of students was a key cause of worry for the government.
As per the official documents assessed, the MHRD officials have stated that the school safety has become more complex moving beyond corporal punishment to bullying, physical violence, sexual, psychological and emotional violence.
“Such incidents have led to death in extreme cases. In the recent past, there have been reports of violence and tragic incidents in schools including murder, assault and rape,” reads the MHRD document, accessed by KNO.
It reads that the scheme of Samagra Shiksha endeavours to provide every child access to education in an environment that is safe, protective and conducive to growth and development.
“The teachers need to function as first step counsellor within the school. Also, every school is required to display a board on safety with helpline and emergency numbers and contact persons,” the document reads.
An official meanwhile told KNO that the students in rural schools are still subjected to corporal punishment by teachers which led to mental trauma of students, particularly in lower classes.
“Given these circumstances, it is necessary to have strict guidelines from government for teachers not to give any corporal punishment to students or harass students in schools,” the official said. Over the years, there have been reports of several incidents wherein students were given corporal punishment by teachers in schools.
Also, the MHRD has expressed concern over providing quality education in schools and asked the school education department to ensure that duly appointed teachers are present in schools.
“The states and UTs are required to issue identity cards to all the regular and contractual teachers of elementary, secondary and higher secondary schools with proper details including photograph, name of the teacher along with name of the School with U-DISE Code,” the MHRD document reads.
It reads that the identity cards should also have full address of the school with block, village, district and designation. “Some rules will be amended from time to time to replace teachers’ photos with ID cards as and when they are transferred from schools,” the document reads. (KNO)
