Corporal Punishment Persists in Goa Schools Despite Legal Ban
In a concerning revelation from the Goa legislative assembly, data shows that 12 cases of corporal punishment have been reported in government and government-aided schools over the past three years, despite existing laws prohibiting such practices. This information was tabled in response to queries, highlighting ongoing challenges in enforcing student protection measures.
Recent Cases and Disciplinary Actions
Seven of these 12 incidents occurred in 2024 alone, all within government-aided schools. One particularly alarming case from December 2024 involved a teacher who was found to be mentally unstable following a government inquiry. In another instance at a Mapusa school in 2025, authorities imposed a minor penalty under Section 94(i) and (iii), withholding one increment of the teacher's pay.
Of the six cases reported in the previous year, inquiries remain in progress for three, while two teachers have been suspended for up to six months. In a government higher secondary school in South Goa, an inquiry determined that a teacher was mentally unstable. The deputy director's report recommended that "the said teacher should not be assigned any teaching position due to her current disturbed state of mind and tendency towards unstable, erratic behaviour." Consequently, this teacher was transferred from the school to the south educational zone in Margao.
Severe Incident in Bardez Taluka
The most brutal incident occurred in September 2024 at a government-aided primary school in Bardez taluka, where an FIR was filed against two teachers—Sujal Gawade of Verem and Kanisha Gadekar of Pirna—for causing severe injuries to a Class IV student. In response, authorities approved the suspension of the regular teacher and directed the school's disciplinary authority to conduct an impartial, detailed inquiry and initiate disciplinary proceedings. Additionally, the services of contractual teachers involved were discontinued.
Exonerations and Government Response
In two 2023 cases reported in government primary schools, the secretary for women and child development exonerated the teachers. One case was deemed "not maintainable," while in the other, the complainant did not appear. Despite these exceptions, the Chief Minister emphasized in the assembly reply that schools have been directed to maintain a zero-tolerance policy against corporal punishment, establish grievance redressal mechanisms, and provide counselling support.
Teachers are also undergoing training to enhance their responsiveness to students' emotional and psychological needs, reflecting a broader effort to address the root causes of such incidents. This data underscores the persistent gap between policy and practice in safeguarding children's rights in educational settings.
