Education news : The Yogi government of Uttar Pradesh has issued an important notice for all schools. According to the notice, the government has reiterated 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.

This type of incident with children is violent

The order further said that beating, scolding, making children run around the campus, pinching, hitting with a stick, slapping, making children sit on their knees, sexual harassment, tormenting, locking children in classrooms, giving electric shocks and other similar humiliating, harmful or fatal acts should not be allowed. Such punishments have been deemed insensitive and violative of the rights of children.

The notice also highlights the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) guidelines, according to which it is mandatory to inform children about their right to speak out against corporal punishment. Schools, including hostels, child protection homes and public institutions, need to create an environment where children can speak up.

You can say what you want 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.

do not discriminate against anyone

The directives also include the Uttar Pradesh government's Right to Free and Compulsory Child Education Rules, which require local authorities to ensure that there is no discrimination based on caste, class, religion or gender. This includes preventing discriminatory behaviour 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.