Remove La Martiniere principal: child rights panel

NEW DELHI - The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) Monday recommended the removal of the principal and vice-principal of Kolkata’s La Martiniere School over the suicide of Class 8 student Rouvanjit Rawla.

The premier school courted controversy following allegations that 13-year-old Rawla committed suicide in February after being caned by the principal Sunirmal Chakravarthi. Rawla’s father lodged a complaint against the principal and four teachers.

An official statement from the women and child development ministry released Monday said that the NCPCR in its report on the suicide case condemned the use of corporal punishment by other teachers as well, saying it was responsible for creating an atmosphere of fear and trauma in the school.

The commission has also suggested to the state government for mandating child rights cells in schools and ensuring implementation of Right to Education Act which would free the schools from corporal punishment.