Corporal punishment bill and Balochistan
Editorial :
Violence against children is on a constant rise in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan. The first taste of violence for a child born in our society comes from teachers and parents. Teachers and parents subject children to violence in what they believe in a ‘good faith’. They consider violence as the main tool for children to obey orders.
The National Assembly (NA) deserves appreciation for adopting a bill to ban corporal punishment in educational institutions and other child care centers. This was much-awaited.
Violence against children in Balochistan nothing new
In Balochistan, violence against children in schools, madrassahs, and other child institutions is nothing new. Most of the cases of violence against children go unnoticed because of social and tribal taboos. Thanks to the mushroom growth of smartphones and social media that highlight violence against children currenlty.
The passage of the bill by the NA also prompted the Balochistan government to draft a bill to ban corporal punishment in educational institutions. The bill will also apply to other child care institutions.
Balochistan government preparing a draft
Although, the government has not announced a time-frame for tabling the bill in the provincial assembly. However, the secretary of education in Balochistan, Sher Khan Bazai told this daily that the government has decided to table the bill. The education department has decided to consult experts on child rights to draft a comprehensive bill. This would help bring an end to violence against children in all public and private schools.
In February 2010, the Balochistan education department had imposed a ban on corporal punishment through a notification. The then government had directed all district education officers, principals of schools, and teachers to ensure implementation of the notification.
Affected children demonstrate aggression later
Psychiatrists suggest that affected children demonstrate aggression and anxiety after their growth and resort to violence.
Balochistan assembly legislators both treasury and from opposition benches should follow the national assembly and table a consensus bill to ban corporal punishment in the province.
Corporal punishment bill and Balochistan
