CHENNAI: In the wake of a series of untoward incidents reported from schools in the last few days, the Education department has urged the managements to "act responsibly."

Recognition of schools, which violate prescribed norms, will be withdrawn immediately, School Education Minister Thangam Thennarasu warned here on Tuesday.

The Minister chaired a meeting with officials held following the incident of a schoolgirl's body being found in the well of an Omalur school; the case of corporal punishment at a school in East Tambaram; and the alleged sexual harassment in a school at Korukkupet.

He later told reporters that investigations were in progress at Omalur. "Once we get the report of the enquiry being conducted by the Revenue Divisional Officer we will take appropriate action."

After preliminary investigation, Arulnayagam, watchman of Fathima Girls Matriculation Higher Secondary School, and Kumar, the office assistant, had been arrested on charges of instigating the child to commit suicide and principal Mary Alphonse and warden Lourde Mary transferred.

Following the incident, the school has been closed indefinitely. Official sources said a peace committee had been formed and arrangements were being made to re-open it shortly.

Corporal punishment

The Minister said a team headed by retired School Education Department Joint Secretary B.Vincent was studying corporal punishment. "Once their report is ready, the department will issue circulars to schools."

While the A.Muthukrishnan committee had submitted a set of recommendations in 2003, the new committee would study the implications of corporal punishment and advise how it could be prevented. Mr. Thennarasu said the State Government was against the idea of corporal punishment.

The department would also implement a module on self-discipline developed by UNICEF in schools. As part of the training programme, Chief Educational Officers and District Educational Officers would address school heads.

He said officials had been instructed to take immediate action if complaints of sexual harassment or abuse were made and validated.

"They will also review the functioning of hostels of schoolchildren and orphanages attached to institutions. A constant surveillance mechanism will be in place to prevent such incidents."

Complaint cell

The Minister said the department would consider launching a complaint cell for students, to help them inform the officials concerned about their grievances.

Director of School Education R.Kannan, Director of Elementary Education J.Uma Maheswari and Director of Matriculation Schools D.Jagannathan attended the meeting.

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