Teachers, Discipline, and the Corporal Punishment Ban in Delhi’s Schools

• In Event: Roundtable Session 27
  In Roundtable Session: Challenges in Global Classrooms

Abstract

Corporal punishment is a common disciplinary method in Indian schools. Deeply ingrained in traditions, corporal punishment appears to be institutionalized as a pedagogical tool (Payet & Franchi, 2008). In recent years, however, the practice has been controversial. In 2010, the government of India outlawed corporal punishment in private and public schools through Right to Education Act. Even with the law in place, the practice still continues (Times News Network, 2012). This preliminary study is an attempt to analyze teachers’ perceptions of corporal punishment, the extent to which they accept this ban, the effect of the ban on disciplinary practices, and the reasons why corporal punishment still persists.

Author

• Ashwini Tiwari, University of Houston - Downtown