Schools not to punish students for Rakhis; says NCPCR
The National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) ordered schools on Wednesday not to scold students for wearing rakhi, tilak, or Mehendi in school during Raksha Bandhan.
A letter by NCPCR:
The NCPCR stated in a letter to the Principal Secretaries of the School Education Sections of all states and UTs that it has been noted in numerous news reports that students are harassed and discriminated against by school authorities due to festival celebrations.
“It has been observed that schools do not allow children to wear rakhi, tilak, or mehendi in schools during the Raksha Bandhan festival and subject them to physical and mental harassment.”
“It should be noted that corporal punishment in schools is prohibited under Section 17 of the RTE Act, 2009,” the NCPCR stated.
According to the leading child rights authority, it has asked the relevant authorities to issue directives to ensure that such practices that may expose children to corporal punishment or discrimination do not occur.
NCPCR is India’s apex child rights body, monitoring the protection of children’s rights.
Reports of Schools Punishing Students:
Rakhi, Tilak, and Mehendi are culturally significant religious symbols. Rakhi is a beautiful thread tied around a brother’s wrist by his sister on Raksha Bandhan to celebrate the bond between siblings.
Tilak is a religious mark or symbol placed on the forehead. In contrast, Mehendi is the practise of utilising henna paste to create elaborate and colourful designs on the hands and feet.
Several news reports have surfaced regarding schools punishing pupils for wearing rakhi, tilak, and other religious decorations during Raksha Bandhan and other festivals.
In such situations, some authorities have used the code of conduct and efforts to promote an inclusive environment as reasons for opposing students from showing religious symbols on school grounds.
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