A former board member of Kolkata's La Martiniere School says rules against corporal punishment are strict but adds that it is not always known what happens inside the school.
Breaking his silence for the first time since he was dropped from the board four months ago, KS David told CNN-IBN that he had raised objections to the school inquiry into the death of class 8 student Rouvanjit Rawla. Rawla's father had filed a police complaint saying his child was driven to commit suicide after repeated corporal punishment.
CNN-IBN: NCPCR (National Commission for Protection of Child Rights) has said corporal punishment is rampant in La Martiniere.
KS David: This is a trend that happens in most schools in the state.
CNN-IBN: Do you think NCPCR statement is alarming?
KS David: This is very alarming. We took this up strongly in the school.
CNN-IBN: An inquiry was conducted into the incident?
KS David: An inquiry was conducted into the incident. Inquiry was not we had expected. We wanted an impartial inquiry. We have yet not received the copy of the inquiry report.
CNN-IBN: The school has given a statement that children need to be corrected?
KS David: Corporal punishment is only a symptom. The problem lies somewhere else. Teachers are giving tuitions outside. This is a sad state of affairs.
CNN-IBN: NCPCR has said harsh punishment to principal and teachers?
KS David: NCPCR will have their own findings. As far as the board of La Martiniere is concerned corporal punishment is a strict no no. There are rules laid down.
CNN-IBN: Do you absolve the school of its responsibility?
KS David: It does not absolve the school of its responsibility.
CNN-IBN: This incident is a black spot for La Martiniere.
KS David: This has thrown La Martiniere into a bad light
CNN-IBN: And the parents are also worried.?
KS David: Very few parents are willing to speak up. It is a prestige to get admission in such schools. If parents do not speak the school will never get right feedback.
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