Government school peon suspended in Madhya Pradesh's Katni for thrashing children, dragging them by their hair

Bhopal: Authorities in Madhya Pradesh have suspended a peon after a video of him mercilessly thrashing kids at a state-run school emerged went viral earlier today. Taking cognizance of the video, an order in this regard was issued by the Vikas Khand Education Officer. The incident in question took place in the state's Katni district.

In a video of the incident which is currently doing rounds on social media, the accused peon can be seen sitting on a bench as students sit on the floors in fear. He then calls the boys one by one and slaps them while pulling their hair. He can also be seen threatening the students that he will not shy away from making an example out of them by physically assaulting them in front of other students.

Responding to the allegations, the Madhya Pradesh Education Department placed peon Jai Prakash Mishra under suspension effective immediately. In an order issued by the district education officer, Katni, the department acknowledged that the video shows Mishra using unnecessary and excessive force with the students while also stating that he has no right to physically assault any child. Mishra's actions violate the Madhya Pradesh Civil Service Regulations of 1965 and rule-9 (A) of the MP Civil Service rules of 1966, said the letter.

The government in India banned corporal punishment in 2010. Ever since, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has been stringent about outlawing the practice. As per the law which was enacted almost a decade ago, the first violation can attract a fine of ₹50,000 or up to one year in jail or both. Meanwhile, subsequent violations can lead to imprisonment up to three years with an additional fine of ₹25,000. 

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Special provisions were also made to ensure that teachers and heads of schools of state-run institutions refrain from using physical force to deal with children. Denial of promotions and even increments have been used as deterrents to tackle such practices. The government had also ordered the formation of a child rights cell in all schools, however, the same is yet to be adhered to.

Outrage against the practice of corporal punishment was triggered by the death of a 12-year-old boy in Kolkata. Rouvanjit Rawla committed suicide after he was humiliated and caned by the principal of a prestigious private school in the state capital of West Bengal. Rawla's death sparked a slew of reports against such despicable behaviour on the part of educators from across the country.