States should ban corporal punishment and discrimination against children, NCPCR said - Child Protection Law should be strictly implemented

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has asked all the states and union territories to take immediate action to protect children from corporal punishment and prevent discrimination during festivals.

This step has been taken after reports that students are facing harassment over practices like applying Rakhi, and Tilak.

In a letter addressed to the Principal Secretaries of School Education Departments across the country, NCPCR Chairman Priyank Kanungo said that child protection laws should be strictly implemented.

The letter raises concern over the trend of schools banning students' participation in cultural and religious activities. Due to this, children often face physical and mental harassment.

The commission said that this is a violation of the Right to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, which prohibits corporal punishment in schools.

Kanungo said festivals are near. Officials should ensure that children do not face corporal punishment or discrimination in schools. The compliance report should be submitted to the commission by August 17.