Child rights panel asks teachers to avoid parties in front of students

The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KeSCPCR) has asked teachers not to hold parties or serve special food for their colleagues in front of children during school hours.

The Commission has issued an order against teachers indulging in lavish parties in front of children at school, with the objective of promoting a more inclusive environment and preventing feelings of deprivation or discrimination.

However, the Commission praised teachers for their kind gesture of celebrating personal milestones like promotions, transfers, farewells, and birthdays with colleagues by serving them good food. “But holding such parties in front of their children can not only trigger inadvertent cravings and dissatisfaction among them, but also a violation of children’s social equity rights,” said KeSCPCR member Cicily Joseph while issuing the order.

The Commission suggested that teachers hold parties or celebrations with colleagues either before school hours or after students have left for the day, ensuring that students do not feel left out or deprived. “If it is still difficult, do it on a holiday,” said Ms. Joseph.

The Commission has asked the General Education Director to issue circulars to schools and deputy directors of education, advising teachers against holding parties for their colleagues in front of students.

The Commission’s intervention has come in response to a complaint from Nasir E.C., a retired school teacher from Koottilangadi near Malappuram. Mr. Nasir pointed out that teachers were celebrating their special occasions with colleagues by serving tempting food like biriyani during lunch breaks in schools. “They invariably do this in front of their children, leaving them craving that food. It becomes especially cruel when they do it in front of children from deprived backgrounds,” said Mr. Nasir.

The Commission had sought reports from the General Education Director twice and even summoned him to appear before it once, but received no response.

The General Education Director has now been asked to submit a comprehensive report within a month, detailing the steps taken to implement the Commission’s order aimed at preventing violations of child rights and creating a more child-friendly environment on school campuses.