Educators in hot water over 'student abuse'

RAWALPINDI:

The District Education Authority has issued show-cause notices under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (PEDA) Act to a teacher and headmistress of a girls' school over the alleged assault of a disabled Class I student.

The action follows strong protests by the student's parents and other guardians. District Education Officer (Women) Hajra Shaheen issued the notices after Chief Executive Officer Yasin Baloch took notice of the incident.

The accused teacher and headmistress of Government Girls Primary School Dhoke Ziarat have been directed to submit their replies by April 30 and appear for a personal hearing. According to reports, the teacher, identified as Sabiha Tabrez, allegedly beat the student with punches and slaps, leaving marks on her face and forehead. The child was also reportedly made to stand for long periods and locked inside the classroom.

Parents who approached the school administration claimed they were told that corporal punishment was permissible and necessary for discipline.

They were allegedly advised to transfer their child to a private school if dissatisfied.

Educational sources said that under authority rules, such cases do not require an inquiry and can lead to direct action, including dismissal from service.