Students distressed, parents aghast as schools switch off fans, cancel sports

Srinagar, Aug: The harsh punishment given to the students as a disciplinary action in schools is leaving students distressed and parents aghast.The incidents of harsh punishments are reported despite the “zero tolerance policy” adopted by the School Education Department (SED) towards such practices.Complaints have been pouring in, highlighting the inhumane treatment meted out to the students, particularly in the private schools, where disciplinary measures often cross ethical boundaries.According to the parents, some schools have resorted to punitive actions such as turning off fans during the sweltering summer heat as a response to students making noise in the classrooms.It is extremely inhumane to treat small children like this,” said a parent.The parent said that the prevailing heatwave poses serious health risks to the small children.They termed it “inhumane, unjustified and uncalled for behaviour” on the part of the schools.The parents complained that the students were being punished by cancelling their sports periods and lunch breaks.