Shocking Incident in Mayurbhanj
In a disturbing case from Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, an assistant teacher has been suspended after allegedly assaulting 31 students with a bamboo stick. The reason: they did not touch her feet after the morning assembly prayers. The students, from Classes 6 to 8, sustained injuries and were treated at Betnoti hospital.
The teacher, identified as Sukanti Kar of Khandadeula Government Upper Primary School, reportedly entered classrooms following prayers and questioned pupils about the perceived lack of respect. When several admitted they had not followed the practice, she allegedly beat them severely.
Swift Action by Authorities
The incident triggered outrage among parents and villagers, who rushed to the school demanding immediate action. The headmaster, Purnachandra Ojha, escalated the matter to higher officials. Block Education Officer (BEO) Biplab Kar, along with other education staff and school management members, visited the premises to meet the injured children and collect testimonies. Based on the inquiry, the BEO suspended Sukanti Kar pending further investigation.
Officials emphasized that corporal punishment in schools is strictly prohibited under the Right to Education Act, and any violation invites disciplinary measures.
Corporal Punishment: A Recurring Problem
Although laws forbid physical punishment, incidents continue to surface in Indian schools. In 2022, a student in Karnataka suffered head injuries after being struck by a teacher for incomplete homework. Similarly, a case in Uttar Pradesh drew national attention when a boy died after a teacher allegedly assaulted him over mistakes in classwork. These episodes underscore how deep-rooted practices of physical discipline still persist despite clear legal bans.
In Odisha itself, the government has previously issued circulars warning educators against corporal punishment, yet enforcement remains inconsistent at the grassroots level. The Mayurbhanj case illustrates both the persistence of outdated disciplinary methods and the vulnerability of students in rural institutions.
A Need for Cultural Change in Classrooms
Respect for teachers is a cherished value in Indian society, but demanding ritualistic gestures through coercion undermines the dignity of both students and educators. The suspension of the teacher sends a strong message, but systemic reforms are equally vital. Regular sensitization workshops for teachers, strict monitoring by school committees, and accessible reporting mechanisms for students can help curb such incidents.
Safeguarding Student Rights
The Mayurbhanj episode is not just about one teacher’s misconduct; it reflects the wider challenge of eliminating corporal punishment from education. Protecting children’s rights must remain the priority, and disciplinary practices should foster trust and learning rather than fear. Ensuring accountability, while promoting a culture of empathy in schools, is essential to prevent such troubling events from repeating.
(With agency inputs)
