Posted on : 1st November 2023

Why is Corporal Punishment Still Common in Indian Schools?

The common practice of corporal punishment in Indian schools has been a topic of heated debate for decades. Despite various legal measures in place that curb this practice for the protection of child rights, corporal punishment continues to be a pressing issue. It raises questions about the state of education and society in our country and the right to education. 

What is Corporal Punishment?

When physical pain or discomfort is inflicted on a child deliberately in schools, it comes under corporal punishment. Though it is generally opposed as an inhumane as well as ineffective method of teaching, this form of punishment continues to permeate the education sector in the name of discipline.

This is not to say that the government and education investors have not taken any steps to address this alarming concern. To protect every right of children to a safe learning environment, various measures have been adopted over the years. For instance, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act of 2009 explicitly prohibits physical punishment as well as mental harassment under Section 17 (1) and also makes it a punishable offense. However, the practice of corporal punishment in Indian schools persists even today due to such measures not being effectively implemented and enforced.

Why is Corporal Punishment Still Common?

Since authoritarian teaching methods are traditionally followed and deeply rooted in our cultural and societal norms, they are often misconceived as effective in maintaining discipline in overcrowded classrooms. It is one of the main reasons that authority figures cross the line and inflict physical punishment on children without facing any consequences. What's more, since the hierarchy creates an unequal power dynamic between students and authority figures, it makes it hard for students to challenge and report such incidents of harm and abuse.

Underfunding and overcrowding of Indian schools is another reason that perpetuates the practice of corporal punishment. It contributes to heightened stress levels that make educators adopt this form of punishment as a quick way of managing a large number of students in unruly classrooms. Moreover, the problem is aggravated due to the lack of proper training for educators and effective action against them, who might otherwise inflict physical punishment on children whose underprivileged backgrounds make them more vulnerable. The system thus also stands to blame.

One more concerning factor is that of the societal acceptance of corporal punishment despite it hazarding the protection of child rights. To inculcate values and discipline in children, physical punishment is deemed necessary. This way of perceiving the whole situation has to be replaced with awareness about non-violent ways of disciplining children.

How to Address the Pressing Issue of Corporal Punishment in Indian Schools?

Children have to be protected from every kind of physical and emotional harm, at home, in schools, and in society. They deserve a bright future free from the scars of physical punishment that sometimes even leads to death. In this direction, our country’s education system must prioritize teaching training programs focusing on child psychology, classroom management, and proper disciplinary techniques. This would help reduce the cases of physical punishment and abuse in schools. Also, there must be zero tolerance for this form of punishment and any other forms that impact a child’s physical and mental health for the worse.

Schools should be safe spaces where children’s safety is actively monitored. Collective effort is crucial in this regard. It is also worthwhile to provide our young generations with nurturing environments.

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