HC to hear plea on Jajpur student’s death over alleged forced sit-ups

Cuttack: Orissa high court will hear on Sept 4 a PIL on the death of a Class IV student of a govt school in Jajpur district after being forced to do sit-ups as punishment nine months back.Rudra Narayan Sethi (10), a student of an upper primary school in Orali, had collapsed on Nov 21, 2023 after assistant teacher Jyotirmayee Panda ordered him and seven others, who forgot to bring their books, to do sit-ups. He was taken to the nearby community health centre at Rasulpur. Doctors there referred him to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, where he was declared dead.Advocate Prabir Kumar Das, a Bhubaneswar-based human rights activist, filed the PIL seeking the court’s direction for enforcing Section 17 (1) of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 in the schools of the state citing Rudra’s death. The section mandates that no child shall be subjected to physical punishment or mental harassment. The court will commence hearing on Sept 4 along with the counter affidavit sought from the state govt.Initially, the HC had on June 26 issued notices to the state govt to file a counter affidavit within eight weeks, fixing Aug 21 for the next hearing. But when the petition was taken up on that date, state govt sought more time, which was allowed by the two-judge bench of Chief Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh and Justice Savitri Ratho. An inquiry was conducted and the block education officer submitted a report to the district education officer on Nov 24, 2023. The report confirmed that physical punishment was given to Rudra by Panda. She was then suspended.

Student deaths: Govt schools overhaul health strategy

In response to student deaths from food poisoning, Telangana's educational societies are updating health protocols in residential schools. Measures include 24/7 health centers, food safety guidelines, and regular screenings. Minority schools are planning health camps and support teams, prioritizing the health and safety of students.

Ministry of Education calls on states to implement school safety guidelines

The Ministry of Education has directed States and UTs to enforce the Guidelines on School Safety and Security-2021 to enhance child protection in schools. Aligned with Supreme Court directives, these guidelines mandate accountability for school management and emphasize a 'Zero Tolerance Policy' toward lapses in child safety, aiming to create a safer educational environment.

Gujarat primary schools to remain closed tomorrow due to heavy rains, state education minister announces

Gujarat's Education Minister Praful Pansheriya announced the closure of all primary schools on 27th August due to severe rainfall. The Meteorological Department forecasts continued heavy rains. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel led a high-level meeting to discuss the rains impact and ensure resident safety. Measures include evacuations and police enforcement in flood-prone regions.