Corporal punishment: School flouted rules at every level

Bengaluru: An alleged incident of humiliation and corporal punishment at an ICSE school in Ulsoor has took a curious turn on Monday with an inquiry conducted by the Child Protection Unit  of the Child Welfare Committee revealing that there was no CCTV coverage on the two upper floors of the school, where nursery, pre-nursery and lower classes are conducted.

Sources said that members of the Child Protection Unit also found that as against the rule, senior classes were conducted on the ground floor, while nursery, pre-nursery and junior classes were being held on the first and second floors. “When we asked the school administration why there are no CCTVs, the school headmaster told us that they don't have funds and will ensure CCTV on all floors this year. School authorities also said that it has the lowest fee structure in the entire area,” said committee member.

“No complaint has been registered over the incident at the local police station. But the CWC has taken up the incident seriously,” a committee member informed.

Meanwhile, several old students of the school alleged that corporal punishment and humiliation by teachers is common in the school over the last few years. “This incident of humiliation is not the first. Till now no one had the courage to raise their voice. For the first time, a mother has raised the issue,” said several old students of the school.

Karnataka Commission for Protection of Child Rights chairperson Kripa Alva will visit the school on Tuesday as part of the ongoing investigation.