Shimla Teacher Suspended Over Viral Corporal Punishment Video

In a strong move against corporal punishment, the Education Department in Shimla district has suspended a government teacher after a video of her administering physical punishment to a student went viral on social media platforms. According to an official order from the Deputy Director, School Education (Elementary), Reena Rathore, the Head Teacher at Government Primary School (GPS) Gawana, Centre Kutara, Education Block Rohru, is now under suspension with immediate effect.

The order highlights that the teacher, captured in a widely circulated video, used a prickly bush to inflict severe corporal punishment on a student — an act that grossly violates Section 17 of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009. This act also breaches the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, emphasizing a complete lack of duty and behavior unbecoming of a government servant. The Deputy Director invoked Rule 10(1) of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, to initiate the teacher's suspension promptly. During suspension, Rathore's headquarters will be the Office of the Block Elementary Education Officer in Sarahan, and she will require permission to leave her designated area.

The suspension order has been disseminated to the Director of School Education in Himachal Pradesh, the Principal of GSSS Kutara, and other relevant educational officials for further action. This incident is treated seriously, underscoring a violation of the RTE Act, which bans corporal punishment in schools. The government has reinforced its zero-tolerance stance on student violence, promising disciplinary actions under established guidelines. Public uproar following the video's circulation has renewed calls for heightened sensitivity and child rights awareness in educational settings.