In the annals of human history, education has always been considered as the cornerstone of progress and development. However, for millions of people around the world, access to quality education remains a distant dream, trapped in the shackles of poverty and societal barriers.
Let me begin with a personal story. I once had a friend during my school days, who embodied the harsh reality of this predicament. Despite being a diligent student, his lack of proficiency in mathematics, due to a lack of familial education, led to him being subjected to merciless ridicule and humiliation by our teacher. This constant belittlement ultimately forced him to skip mathematics class, culminating in his failure in the board exams and subsequent departure from school. Years went by, and the boy, now a man, found himself working as a daily wager like many others in his situation. He had no other option but to accept his fate and live a life of struggle and hardship. Tragically, his story is not unique, as countless others face similar challenges in their pursuit of education. These individuals are often forced to abandon their dreams and aspirations. And yes, sadly, my friend happens to be one of the unfortunate stories of corporal punishment.
Corporal punishment is the use of physical force as a means of discipline or punishment, typically involving hitting, spanking, slapping, or other forms of physical violence. It has been a controversial topic worldwide, with advocates arguing that it is necessary for maintaining discipline and order, while opponents argue that it is ineffective, harmful, and violates human rights. Corporal punishment has been used as a disciplinary measure for centuries, particularly in the context of child-rearing and education. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the negative effects of corporal punishment, particularly on children, and efforts to prohibit its use in various settings. There have been several research papers on corporal punishment in India, including its prevalence, impact, and ways to prevent it. One such paper is “Corporal Punishment in Indian Schools: A Study of Prevalence and Determinants” by Sunita Kumari and Anil Kumar. The paper, published in the Journal of Educational Research and Extension, aimed to examine the prevalence of corporal punishment in schools across India and to identify the factors that contribute to its occurrence. The study involved a survey of 300 teachers from 30 schools in four Indian states. The results of the study showed that corporal punishment was widespread in Indian schools, with 83% of teachers reporting that they had used it in the past. The most common forms of corporal punishment reported were caning, slapping, and hitting with an object. The study also found that the use of corporal punishment was more common in government schools than in private schools.
Corporal punishment in schools has been shown to have a wide range of negative effects on children, both in the short and long term. Some of these effects include:
1. Physical injuries: Corporal punishment can cause physical injuries such as bruises, cuts, and fractures. In extreme cases, it can even lead to death.
2. Psychological effects: Children who are subjected to corporal punishment may experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and other psychological problems. They may also develop a negative attitude towards learning and school.
3. Aggression: Research has shown that children who are subjected to corporal punishment are more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior, both in school and outside of it.
4. Poor academic performance: Corporal punishment can lead to poor academic performance, as children may be too anxious or stressed to focus on their studies.
5. Damaged relationships: The use of corporal punishment can damage the relationship between teachers and students and between parents and children.
6. Normalization of violence: The use of corporal punishment can lead to the normalization of violence as a means of resolving conflicts, and can make children more accepting of violence in general.
Legal Provisions in India to Stop Corporal Punishment
In India, corporal punishment is illegal and considered a violation of the child’s fundamental right to protection from all forms of violence, as guaranteed by the Constitution and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
The Right to Education Act, 2009, also prohibits the use of corporal punishment in schools and makes it mandatory for schools to provide a safe and non-violent environment for children. In addition, the National Policy on Education, 1986, and the subsequent National Curriculum Framework, 2005, emphasize the need for non-violent discipline methods in schools.
The Supreme Court of India has also issued several rulings against the use of corporal punishment in schools, stating that it is a violation of children’s human rights and can have long-lasting negative effects on their physical and mental health.
Despite these legal provisions, corporal punishment continues to be practiced in some schools in India. However, there have been efforts by the government, NGOs, and civil society groups to raise awareness about the negative effects of corporal punishment and to promote non-violent disciplinary methods in schools. For instance, The Young Lawyers form, an NGO based in Kashmir is actively doing workshops in schools on this issue. But there is a need of more active involvement of government and civil society to focus on this issue.
In conclusion, while the legal provisions against corporal punishment in India are in place, it is important to ensure that they are effectively implemented and enforced in order to create a safe and nurturing learning environment for children.
Alternatives to corporal punishment:
There are several alternatives to corporal punishment that can be used to promote good behavior and discipline in students. Here are some examples:
1. Positive reinforcement: This involves rewarding students for good behavior and performance, rather than punishing them for bad behavior. For example, teachers can give students verbal praise, certificates, or small gifts for completing their assignments on time or participating in class discussions.
2. Dialogue and communication: Teachers can talk to students about their behavior and try to understand the root cause of any problems they may be facing. This can involve discussing challenges that the student may be facing at home or in their personal life that could be affecting their behavior or performance in school.
3. Non-violent discipline methods: This involves setting clear expectations and boundaries for behavior, and using non-violent consequences for misbehavior. For example, students can be asked to redo an assignment, do community service, or apologize to someone they may have hurt.
4. Counselling and support: Teachers can provide counseling and support to students who are struggling with emotional or behavioral issues. This can involve connecting them with school counselors or other resources in the community to address their challenges.
5. Restorative justice: This involves focusing on repairing the harm caused by a student’s behavior rather than punishing them. For example, if a student has caused harm to another student, they can be asked to apologize, make amends, and work towards repairing the relationship.
6. Extra support and attention: Teachers can provide extra support and attention to students who are struggling academically or behaviorally. This can involve providing additional tutoring, one-on-one mentoring, or academic coaching.
Overall, these alternatives to corporal punishment emphasize non-violent disciplinary methods, positive reinforcement, communication, and support for students. By using these methods, teachers can promote a safe and nurturing learning environment that encourages students to succeed and thrive.
The author is an LB student at the University of Kashmir. Feedback at [email protected]

Rohool Banka