NCPCR Calls for Immediate End to Corporal Punishment During School Festivals

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has issued a directive to states and union territories to prevent corporal punishment and discrimination of children during school festivals. This follows reports of harassment over religious practices. Schools must comply with child protection laws and submit reports by August 17.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has issued urgent directives to states and union territories to curtail corporal punishment and discrimination against children during school festivals. This directive comes after numerous reports indicated students facing harassment for cultural and religious practices such as wearing rakhi or mehandi during festivals like Raksha Bandhan.

In a formal letter to the principal secretaries of School Education departments nationwide, NCPCR Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo emphasized the need for strict adherence to child protection laws, particularly in the festival season. The Commission, established under the CPCR Act of 2005, also oversees the implementation of the POCSO Act, 2012, the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, and the RTE Act, 2009.

The letter pointed out the worrisome trend of schools imposing restrictions on students' participation in cultural and religious practices, often leading to physical and mental harassment. This practice, the Commission highlighted, violates Section 17 of the RTE Act, which prohibits corporal punishment in schools.

''With festivals approaching, it is imperative to issue directions to the concerned authorities to ensure schools refrain from any practice that may subject children to corporal punishment or discrimination,'' Kanoongo stated. Compliance reports and copies of relevant orders must be submitted to the Commission by August 17.

(With inputs from agencies.)