Ulhasnagar (Maharashtra): A teacher at a local playgroup school has been booked for allegedly slapping a two-and-a-half-year-old child during a class activity. The incident reportedly occurred when the boy failed to clap along with his classmates during a poem recitation session.
Incident details
According to police, the teacher allegedly struck the toddler for not following instructions during the activity. The child’s parents, shocked to see visible signs of distress and discomfort in their son, approached the authorities to lodge a formal complaint.
The complaint alleged that instead of offering encouragement or patience, the teacher resorted to physical punishment. Parents of other children at the school also expressed concern over the teacher’s behaviour, with some demanding stricter monitoring of teachers in early learning institutions.
Police action
The Ulhasnagar police registered a case against the teacher under relevant sections pertaining to assault and cruelty against minors. Officers confirmed that the teacher has not been arrested yet but is under investigation.
“Parents trust schools with their children’s safety. Any breach of this trust will not be tolerated. Appropriate legal action is being taken,” a police official said.
Parental outrage
Parents’ associations in the city condemned the incident, stating that young children at playgroup or nursery level need nurturing environments to build confidence, not fear.
A parent from the same school said, “Children at this age are still learning social interaction. It is heartbreaking that such harsh behaviour is being used instead of guidance and patience.”
Growing concerns over child safety in schools
The case has once again raised questions about child safety in schools and day-care centres. Experts stress the importance of teacher training in early childhood education, noting that emotional and psychological well-being is just as crucial as academic learning at this stage.
Child rights activists also emphasised that corporal punishment is banned under Indian law, and even minor acts of physical aggression can have lasting emotional impacts on children.
School response
The school administration has not issued an official statement but is expected to face scrutiny from education authorities. Local activists have called for a formal inquiry to ensure accountability and to prevent recurrence of similar incidents.
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Conclusion
The Ulhasnagar incident highlights the urgent need for sensitisation and training programmes for educators, particularly in pre-primary schools, where children are at their most vulnerable stage of development. The case is under investigation, and further action will be taken based on the outcome of the inquiry.