Concept 1 · free preview
RTE Section 17: ban on physical punishment and mental harassment
Rule
Section 17(1): no child shall be subjected to physical punishment or mental harassment.
Section 17(2): whoever contravenes sub-section (1) shall be liable to disciplinary action under the service rules applicable to such person.
| Physical punishment | Mental harassment |
|---|---|
| Beating, slapping, pulling ears | Calling a child ‘dull’ or ‘useless’ in front of the class |
| Making a child stand in the sun, ‘murga’ posture | Ridiculing, teasing with nicknames |
| Standing on the bench for long | Frightening, isolating with discrimination |
| RTE Section | Subject |
|---|---|
| 13 | No capitation fee or screening |
| 17 | No physical punishment or mental harassment |
| 21 | School Management Committee |
| 29 | Curriculum and evaluation procedure |
Remember
17 = ‘no punishment’. Penalty = disciplinary action under service rules. Parental consent does not make physical punishment lawful.
Common mistake
Thinking only beating is banned. Section 17 bans mental harassment — humiliation, fear — just as much.
Check yourself
Calling a child ‘useless’ in front of the class falls under?
Answer: Mental harassment — prohibited under Section 17.