Odisha Teacher Suspended for Beating 31 Students Over Foot-Touching Incident

In Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, a female teacher at Khandadeula Government Upper Primary School under Betnoti block has been suspended following allegations that she physically assaulted 31 students for failing to touch her feet after morning prayers. The teacher, who was working as an assistant teacher at the school, reportedly attacked the students from Classes 6, 7, and 8 in their classrooms. This incident, which took place on a Friday, caused outrage among the local villagers and parents, who promptly responded by rushing to the school to demand action against the teacher.

According to local accounts, the students had participated in the morning prayers as part of the school’s routine. After the prayers concluded, the students went to their respective classrooms, where the teacher allegedly entered and punished them physically because they did not touch her feet. Villagers and parents described the act as a severe misuse of authority and a blatant violation of the students’ rights. The physical assault reportedly involved multiple students, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and the teacher’s disregard for school regulations and ethical conduct.

Upon being informed of the incident, parents immediately approached the school to register their complaint and seek immediate action against the teacher. Their quick response reflects the concern of the local community for the safety and well-being of the students, as well as their intolerance toward corporal punishment and mistreatment in educational institutions. Following the complaint, the local education department promptly initiated an official inquiry into the matter to ascertain the facts and ensure accountability.

Education department officials conducted the inquiry by speaking directly with the students involved and gathering testimonies from witnesses, including other staff members and possibly parents. Based on these investigations, the officials determined that the teacher had indeed engaged in misconduct by physically punishing the students for not following her instructions after the morning prayers. The inquiry report concluded that the teacher’s actions were inappropriate and violated established norms against corporal punishment in schools. Following the findings, the authorities took decisive action by suspending the teacher from her duties as an assistant teacher at the school.

Officials emphasized that corporal punishment is strictly prohibited across all educational institutions, and such measures are not acceptable under any circumstances. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in enforcing student rights and maintaining ethical standards in schools. Authorities assured the community that measures will be taken to prevent similar occurrences in other schools, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding students from any form of physical or psychological harm.

This incident highlights broader issues within the educational system regarding the treatment of students and the enforcement of policies prohibiting corporal punishment. While schools aim to provide a safe and supportive environment for learning, incidents like this underscore the need for ongoing monitoring, teacher training, and community engagement to ensure that students’ rights are protected. By taking swift action against the teacher, the education authorities in Mayurbhanj have demonstrated a commitment to maintaining accountability and reinforcing the prohibition of corporal punishment in all schools within the state.

The suspension of the teacher serves both as a corrective measure and as a deterrent to prevent future violations, ensuring that educational spaces remain safe, respectful, and conducive to learning for all students. This proactive response from the authorities, combined with community involvement, highlights the collaborative effort required to uphold ethical standards and protect the welfare of children in schools.