Do Schools Require Education On Child Rights Act?

THIS STORY IS FROM NOVEMBER 19, 2015
School’s rules not above child rights, says panel hearing forced-haircut case.

MUMBAI: A school’s rules and regulations are not above the will and consent of a child, the state child rights commission has observed.

The parents of a student from Activity High School Peddar Road, had approached the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, alleging that the school’s principal forced him to get a haircut twice in school against his wish on the grounds that his hairstyle was against what is prescribed in the school’s regulations.

The commission’s secretary, A N Tripathi, said, “It is against child rights; even the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act can be applicable. You cannot take action against the will and consent of the child, by forcing him. (A school’s) code of conduct cannot overrule the law.“

“According to the some school’s rulebook, parents must ensure that hair is not grown long and is cut regularly and in the style approved by the school. Boys are not permitted mushroom cuts or spikes”. ?

No parent is against discipline but the school authorities should educate themselves in Child Rights Act. Gone are the days when ‘fear factor’ game was played between students and teachers. Modern day teaching is way more liberal.

Also a point to be considered is that the defying child should not be subject to unnecessary harrasment. Any form of harassment to a child in school amounts to cruelty and as per the law, “It prohibits physical punishment and mental harassment to children and prescribes disciplinary action to be taken against the guilty person in accordance with the service rules applicable to such person. Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act prescribes punishment for cruelty to children.”