Newindpress

Mangalore, Sep 29: Teachers and members of social groups, dedicated to protect child rights, have mooted a ‘Think tank’ to ensure effective implementation of the State government’s ban on corporal punishment in private and government schools in the district.

Praveen of Valored (an NGO), said the ‘Think tank’ would have teachers, parents, students and members from recognised NGOs. The decision to form a ‘Think tank’ found universal acceptance from teachers and parents, who were divided on the notification banning corporal punishment in sc hools.

A group of teachers expressed their reservations and others welcomed the circular to ban corporal punishment, at a recent meeting conducted at Prajna Counselling Centre by Valored, Education Resource Centre Federation and Prajna Counselling centre.

Teachers wondered how they would bring discipline among students following the ban. ‘‘In certain instances, like urging students to give up bad habits like gutka chewing, corporal punishment is the only solution,’’ some teachers asserted.

Many teachers also believed that the circular has brought unwanted attention to a simple act. ‘‘The circular in fact is building a wall between teachers and students,’’ another teacher stressed. A senior teacher with two decades of teaching experience said she realised a long ago that corporal punishment enforcing discipline was a myth.

‘‘It does not enforce discipline,’’ she explained and added that change in students was possible only through intense trying. 50 years ago, the attitude was different and thus punishment was found to be an integral part of teaching methodology.

However times have changed and views on corporal punishment have also changed. Moderating discussions, Parveen explained that corporal punishment forced children to drop out from schools.