In UP, instructions have been issued to all the schools by the state government that children should not face any kind of violence in their schools.
Yogi government of Uttar Pradesh has issued an important notice for all schools. According to the notice, the government has re-emphasized its instructions to ban all types of punishments, physical and mental, 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 on any child in educational institutions is completely banned.
Such incidents with children are violent
The order further said that beating children, scolding them, running around the campus, pinching them, hitting them with a stick, slapping them, making children sit on their knees, sexually harassing them, tormenting them, locking children alone in classrooms, giving them electric shocks and other similar humiliating, harmful or fatal acts should not happen. Such punishment has been considered insensitive and violent towards 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 inform 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 up 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 instructions also include the Free and Compulsory Child Education Rights Rules of the Uttar Pradesh government, according to which local authorities have to ensure that there is no caste, class, religion or gender-based discrimination. This includes preventing discriminatory behavior in classrooms, during meals, playgrounds and other school facilities.
Toll free number issued
The notice said, “A toll-free number 1800-889-3277 was started by the Chief Minister in June 2024 to resolve education-related complaints of students, parents and the general public. It has also been directed that this toll-free number should be permanently written 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 the 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.
