HYDERABAD, SEPTEMBER 08, 2024: Following the instructions of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), Telangana Samagra Shiksha State Project Officer EV Narasimha Reddy has issued orders directing all the DEOs and district project officers to issue necessary instructions to all the headmasters and principals to ensure that the schools of all managements do not punish students for wearing rakhi, tilak and mehendi during festivals which may expose the children to corporal punishment or discrimination.
The NCPCR has observed through various news reports that children are subject to harassment and discrimination by teachers and other staff on account of festive celebrations. It has been noticed that schools do not allow children to wear Rakhi, tilak, or mehendi in schools during festivals such as Raksha Bandhan and subject them to harassment, both physically and mentally. It may be noted that corporal punishment is prohibited in schools under Section 17 of the RTE Act, 2009, the letter stated.
The State Project Officer directed the DEOs to ensure the schools of all managements do not observe any such practice that may expose children to corporal punishment or discrimination. “And a compliance report shall be shared with this office along with the copy of the order issued in this regard immediately”, the order said.
