Orissa: Student punished severely for being absent

Kendrapara, Nov 22: Despite the recent order of the Orissa government prohibiting corporal punishment in schools, a student of class VI of a public school here was punished so severely for remaining absent from school for a day that he lost consciousness.

According to reports, a lady teacher of Bharati Vidya Mandir, located inside the Kendrapara Autonomous College in the heart of the town, yesterday ordered Shakti Prasad Pati to kneel down in the scorching sun and then asked him to do 200 sit-ups.

Shakti's father Gourihar Pati alleged that his son fell unconscious while doing the sit-ups, but the school authorities sent him home only after he regained sense.

Shakti's father said his son suffered severe pain in the muscles of one of his legs and was rushed to a doctor.

Mr Gourhari brought the matter to the notice of the Inspector of Schools and demanded action against the lady teacher.

On receiving the complaint the School Inspector directed the Deputy Inspector of Schools to inquire into the incident and take necessary action against the teacher.

UNI