PANAJI
Admitting an increase in child abuse cases in schools, the State government has attributed these incidents to peer bullying, technological factors, family dysfunction, and cultural and societal influences.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, in response to a starred question by MLA Aleixo Lourenco, outlined these factors as the probable causes of the rise in abuse cases.
“The probable reasons for increased incidences of child abuse in schools could be peer bullying, technological factors, family dysfunction and cultural and societal factors,” Sawant said.
From November 2022 to August 2023, the State reported four cases of child abuse among which, in two cases the teachers remain suspended. A drawing teacher accused of misconduct with a girl student and a PE teacher charged with sexual harassment -- both reported in March and August 2023 respectively -- are under suspension.
In two other cases involving allegations of sexual harassment by an assistant teacher, disciplinary action is ongoing. Another substitute teacher, accused of corporal punishment, saw his tenure end two months after the complaint.
To address these issues, the CM said, the State is appointing counsellors in schools to monitor abuse cases and provide a support system, along with four other measures to combat the problem. “Adequate measures are being taken to deal with cases of child abuse. Strict measures are being taken against bullying in schools especially cyber-bullying,” he said.
