Jharsuguda: Even though law says no student shall be subjected to physical punishment or mental harassment and whosoever contravenes this provision shall be liable for disciplinary action, instances of corporal punishment being meted out to students continue to crop up from across schools in Odisha.
A student of Balijori Nodal Primary School in Jharsuguda was admitted to the district headquarters hospital after being allegedly thrashed by the headmaster in-charge of the school on Thursday.
According to sources, the incident occurred after the school hours when an altercation ensued between a few students over some reasons which forced the headmaster to intervene. Not only did he interfere to stop the quarrel, but allegedly thrashed a kid so brutally that the child was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
"We are sending our kid to school to study, not get beaten by teachers. Because it is the second instance that he was thrashed in school, we are forced to lodge a complaint. It is common that kids often engage in minor arguments while playing. Same was the case yesterday. But the headmaster thrashed only my child," alleged Laxmi Dharua, victim's mother.
Dr Mahesh Mohan Panda, child care specialist said, "The kid was admitted to hospital last night. Yes, there are injuries and swelling in his face. He has bruises in and around the eye as well. But he is currently stable and necessary treatment is underway."
Meanwhile, the district education officer (DEO) has directed the Block Education Officer (BEO) to conduct a detailed probe into the incident. A CWC team has also been engaged to investigate the matter, sources said.
Last month, a complaint was lodged against the Principal In-charge of Dhanpur High School in Koraput for allegedly thrashing several Class 10 students. As many as eight students were beaten by the lady Principal for failing to give answers to several questions related to Mathematics.