Y Merina Chishi
Nagaland State Commissioner for Protection of Child Rights, Awan Konyak recently pointed out that school is a means to prepare the young for the future. However, she regreted, that the experience is not always positive one for children as many are forced into unfurnished classrooms, hunger, thirst, sickness and that such can be done by means of threat, bullying, humiliation and even violence at the hands of teachers. The crucial need for children to be given a chance to grow up in safe and secure learning environment was stressed.
The issue of corporal punishment still much prevalent and looming in the dark in schools across Nagaland, if one goes by available data. According to the State Child Welfare Committee, 657 cases of violence against children have been reported so far, out of which 329 were upon school going children. Although, it was not specified whether all the cases relate to violence at the hands of teachers, the fact that school going children are not safe in our society speaks a lot about our system.
Reports point out that some schools use cane or sticks to discipline students. Locking children in the toilet, pocking them with objects or being made to stand on classroom benches are some of the other punishments reportedly occurring in schools. Allegedly, some schools also have humiliating names like “birthday cakes and happy hours” for punishment.
Punishment is suspected to be more rampant in government schools as compared to private schools. But some government school teachers are rather unapologetic about using the corporal punishment. Most teachers are of the opinion that it is the only way to control or discipline children. No matter the situation, however, children should not be at the receiving end and should not be subjected to physical punishment for indiscipline.
When a child is made to study under such intimidating environment, it is quite obvious that learning would not be a pleasant experience. Physical punishment can also lead to increased aggression and antisocial behavior in children.
In the light of the prevailing situation, the State Commission of Protection for Child Rights and other concerned agencies should intervene and create awareness at all levels so that every child is made to feel safe and studying a pleasant experience. Teachers, caretakers and school administrators must also be made accountable for any harm on child’s physical and mental wellbeing as the consequences of their actions.
The National Child Protection of Child Rights has issued guidelines to all States for eliminating punishments against children. It mandates every school to constitute a ‘Corporal Punishment Monitoring Cell’ consisting of two teachers, two parents, one doctor, one lawyer, counselor and an independent child rights activist of that area and two senior students from that school. It is yet to be implemented by the State government. Thus, there is need for a quick and effective implementation of the guidelines in order to safeguard the rights of children in schools.
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