The tragic incident in Sargodha’s Badar Ranjha town, where a student lost his life due to brutal corporal punishment inflicted by his teacher, has sent shockwaves across the nation. This horrifying incident, which unfortunately is not isolated but often goes unreported, underscores urgent need for stricter measures to protect students from such reprehensible acts of violence.
The victim, Samiullah, a ninth-class student, succumbed to serious injuries inflicted on his backbone by his teacher wielding a stick as a form of punishment for not memorising a lesson. Despite being shifted to different hospitals for treatment, Samiullah tragically could not survive his injuries. This incident serves as a grim reminder of dangers posed by unchecked corporal punishment in educational institutions.
It is imperative that swift and exemplary punishment be meted out to the teacher responsible for this heinous act. Such actions must be condemned unequivocally and those found guilty should face full force of the law. By ensuring strict accountability for such perpetrators, we can deter future occurrences and safeguard well-being of students. Moreover, it is crucial to recognise detrimental effects of corporal punishment on mental and emotional well-being of children. Far from disciplining them, such violent methods only serve to instil fear and trauma, hindering their academic progress and overall development. It is commendable that Prohibition of Corporal Punishment Act, 2021, is enforced in Islamabad Capital Territory, offering protection to students against such abuses. This law emphasises fundamental right of children to be treated with respect and dignity, prohibiting any form of corporal punishment or degrading treatment in schools. However, it is imperative that similar measures be adopted and rigorously enforced across all provinces, including Punjab. Merely enacting legislation is not enough; it must be complemented by robust implementation mechanisms to ensure its efficacy.
Teachers found guilty of corporal punishment must face severe consequences, including dismissal from service. The safety and well-being of our children must be our foremost priority. We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to harrowing realities faced by students in their pursuit of education. It is incumbent upon authorities, educational institutions and society as a whole to take decisive action to eradicate the scourge of corporal punishment from our schools. Only then can we create an environment where every child feels safe, valued and empowered to fulfil his/her potential.
