When Schools Become Unsafe Sanctuaries
Schools are meant to be safe havens—spaces where children explore, grow, and feel protected. But in a deeply disturbing case from Presentation Convent Higher Secondary School in Srinagar, a Class III student’s alleged physical abuse by teachers has shocked the region, throwing a harsh spotlight on the persistence of corporal punishment in private schools despite being outlawed.
According to the parents, their daughter was “beaten to a pulp,” left vomiting and unconscious, and received no medical care from the school administration. They rushed her to the hospital themselves. In response, Jammu and Kashmir’s Education Minister Sakina Itoo has ordered a full-fledged investigation into the matter.
The school, one of Srinagar’s most reputed institutions, has denied the allegations, claiming the child had a migraine and was attended to in the school clinic. They also state that CCTV footage exists, and that the father of the student acted aggressively upon reaching the school.
As the probe unfolds, this incident is rapidly becoming a watershed moment in Jammu and Kashmir’s education system, raising vital questions about discipline, power, trauma, and accountability.
What Exactly Happened? Conflicting Narratives
The Class III student, aged around 8, had reportedly returned home visibly traumatized. Her parents claim that she was repeatedly slapped and physically assaulted by two teachers during school hours. She allegedly complained of dizziness, nausea, and ultimately lost consciousness before they rushed her to a nearby hospital.
“She was crying inconsolably. She couldn’t speak. The teachers had beaten her mercilessly. Her body had red marks and she was vomiting non-stop,” her father told local media.
He alleged that no first aid or medical help was provided by the school, even though the child showed clear signs of trauma and distress. According to him, school authorities attempted to downplay the situation, dismissing it as a minor health episode.
In contrast, the school authorities maintain that the child was suffering from a migraine, that she was provided medication, and that the event was non-violent. They also noted that CCTV footage will be shared with investigators to prove there was no physical assault.
“Our teachers acted in accordance with school protocol. No child was harmed. The father’s aggressive behaviour at the school gate escalated the issue unnecessarily,” a school spokesperson said.
However, the growing public outcry and the serious nature of the child’s condition have cast serious doubts over the school’s narrative, especially in light of past allegations of abuse that were never officially documented.
The Legal Reality: What the RTE Act Says
India’s Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 explicitly bans all forms of corporal punishment in schools, whether government or private. According to Section 17 of the Act:
“No child shall be subjected to physical punishment or mental harassment. Whoever contravenes this shall be liable for disciplinary action under the service rules applicable to the person.”
Despite this, incidents continue to surface. The implementation and enforcement of this rule remain weak, especially in private schools that enjoy considerable autonomy and societal clout.
Parents and child rights advocates say there is a culture of silence and fear of retaliation in these institutions. Many victims never speak up. Even when cases are reported, internal school committees often hush them up, favoring teachers over students.
“The law is clear, but who enforces it? That’s the problem. Schools need oversight bodies that aren’t made up of their own staff,” said Zahida Akhtar, a child rights lawyer based in Srinagar.
Trauma in the Classroom: The Hidden Cost of Discipline
Experts warn that corporal punishment leaves lasting emotional and psychological scars on children. What might seem like a “minor” slap or verbal abuse can cause anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and even school dropout in extreme cases.
“Children interpret discipline very differently. A harsh word can silence them for weeks. A physical assault can make them fear teachers and education altogether,” said Dr. Muzaffar Hussain, a child psychologist.
The 8-year-old girl now reportedly refuses to go to school, a common response among children who have suffered abuse. Her academic progress, mental well-being, and confidence have all taken a hit.
In the larger picture, such incidents undermine trust in educational institutions, making parents anxious and leaving children vulnerable in environments that should protect them.
Not the First Time: A Pattern of Silence in Elite Schools
This is not an isolated case. Over the past decade, multiple private schools in Srinagar have faced allegations of student mistreatment, forced silence, and cover-ups. Yet, almost none of these cases reached a formal inquiry or legal resolution.
A former teacher at a reputed Srinagar school, on condition of anonymity, said:
“We were often told to keep children ‘under control’ at any cost. Any report of punishment was handled internally. No police, no parents, just hush-hush compromises.”
Parents say they are often reluctant to speak out for fear of backlash against their children or loss of access to elite institutions. In many cases, complaints are met with denial, deflection, or intimidation.
This deeply problematic culture not only violates child rights but protects abusers and endangers students.
Public Response: Anger, Protests, and Demands for Accountability
The incident has sparked a wave of public outrage in Kashmir. Civil society groups, parents, educationists, and student activists are demanding:
- Immediate suspension of the accused teachers
- Release of the CCTV footage
- Transparent investigation by an external authority
- Implementation of RTE rules with stricter enforcement
- Establishment of Child Protection Committees in all schools
“We send our children to school to learn, not to bleed. Enough is enough,” said one parent during a small protest outside the school.
On social media, hashtags like #JusticeForSrinagarGirl and #StopSchoolViolence have begun trending locally.
What Happens Next? Education Ministry’s Role
Education Minister Sakina Itoo has stated that the matter will not be taken lightly. An official inquiry committee has been formed and is expected to visit the school, speak with staff, review footage, and submit a report within days.
“Child safety is non-negotiable. We are taking this matter seriously and assure strict action based on facts,” she said in a statement.
She also emphasized that no institution will be allowed to shield abusive practices under the guise of discipline or reputation management.
Activists, however, warn that unless strong legal and disciplinary action follows, this case could go the way of many others: forgotten and ignored.
Bottom-Line: Time for a Cultural Reset in Education
The alleged abuse of a Class III girl in one of Kashmir’s top schools is a wake-up call. It has exposed the dangerous normalisation of corporal punishment, the lack of enforcement of child rights laws, and the silence surrounding elite education institutions.
If this case is allowed to fade without meaningful reform, it will only embolden those who think children can be hurt without consequence.
We must ask ourselves: What kind of education system are we building? One that empowers, or one that punishes into submission?
It is time to make our schools safe, just, transparent, and child-centric. Because no child should ever come home from school in pain or fear.
