Maharashtra Bans Physical And Mental Punishment In Schools, Strict Action Within 24 Hours
Maharashtra Bans Physical And Mental Punishment In Schools, Strict Action Within 24 Hours
Education Department issues new guidelines making school management directly accountable for student safety
The Maharashtra Education Department has issued strict new guidelines banning all forms of physical and mental punishment of students in schools across the state. The move follows growing concerns over student safety and comes after several serious incidents that triggered public outrage and official intervention.
Under the new rules, any form of physical punishment or mental harassment of students is strictly prohibited. The ban applies to teachers, principals, non-teaching staff, and school managements, regardless of whether the institution is government-run, aided, or private. The department has made it clear that schools must ensure a safe, fear-free environment for children, with zero tolerance for abuse.
The guidelines state that if any incident involving physical or mental punishment is reported, the school administration must file a police complaint within 24 hours. Failure to do so will invite direct criminal action against the school management, including the headmaster or principal. Attempts to suppress, delay, or tamper with complaints will be treated as serious offences and may lead to further legal consequences.
The Education Department has clearly defined what constitutes punishment or harassment. Physical punishment includes hitting, slapping, caning, making students stand for long periods, forcing them to sit or kneel on the ground, or denying food or water. Mental punishment includes verbal abuse, humiliation, threats, intimidation, isolating students, forcing them to perform degrading acts, or subjecting them to excessive academic pressure meant to shame or frighten them.
Schools have also been instructed to avoid disciplinary practices that involve public embarrassment, such as announcing punishments in front of classmates or using fear-based methods to control behaviour. The department has emphasised that discipline must be corrective and educational, not punitive.
To strengthen accountability, schools are required to install and maintain functional CCTV systems, especially in classrooms and common areas, wherever feasible. Complaint redressal mechanisms must be clearly displayed, and parents as well as students should be informed about whom to approach in case of grievances. Schools must also maintain proper records of complaints and actions taken.
The guidelines place direct responsibility on school managements, not just individual staff members. If an incident occurs, managements will be held accountable for lapses in supervision, safety measures, or failure to act promptly. In serious cases, criminal charges may be filed under relevant child protection laws.
The Education Department has stated that the decision aligns with existing child protection laws, including the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, and national child safety guidelines. The objective is to ensure that schools remain spaces of learning, dignity, and emotional security.
Officials have urged parents to report any suspected abuse immediately and assured that complaints will be taken seriously. The department has also appealed to schools to focus on positive discipline methods based on counselling, dialogue, and emotional support rather than fear or punishment.
