JAGATSINGHPUR: In yet another incident of corporal punishment, a Class V student of Chandpur Primary School under Biridi block of the district was seriously injured on Friday. Following the incident, irate guardians and parents staged a dharna and locked up the school demanding action against errant teacher on Saturday.
Despite a ban on corporal punishment in schools, physical torture of primary school students is going on in Biridi area. According to sources, two students were indulged in a quarrel in the classroom and on being informed, Headmistress Gitanjali Sahu called both the students and caned them. One student Saroj Nath got hit in the eye accidentally. He was admitted to Biridi primary health centre and later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack on the same day.
As per the provisions of Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act-2009, no child shall be subjected to physical punishment or mental harassment.
Block Education Officer Rajashree Sahoo, who rushed to the spot and pacified the irate villagers, said she had sought the intervention of District Education Officer to take action against the errant Headmistress. Action would be taken after the inquiry report is filed, she added.
Meanwhile, the Headmistress said the allegation against her regarding the caning of the students is false and fabricated.