In a distressing incident at a government residential school in Palghar, two Class 4 girls were hospitalized after allegedly being made to perform numerous sit-ups as punishment for not completing their homework. The strenuous exercise resulted in severe body pain and visible swelling in their legs, requiring two days of medical attention. Reports suggest that the punishment was meted out by a teacher, with several other students also subjected to disciplinary measures. While most did not experience significant health issues, the swelling and discomfort in the girls’ legs became noticeable the next day. School authorities confirmed that the girls received medical care before being discharged to their families.In response, the Integrated Tribal Development Project launched an investigation and sent a team to the school on Sunday to look into the matter. Officials are currently reviewing the teacher's actions to determine if disciplinary measures are warranted. Parents of the affected children have expressed strong disapproval of physical punishment in schools, with one parent stating, “We send our children to learn, not to endure such suffering.” This incident has ignited a wider discussion about the importance of adopting child-friendly disciplinary approaches in educational institutions.
This is not an isolated case; it follows a similar incident in January when a Class 10 student from another Palghar school was hospitalized for three days after being forced to do 50 squats as punishment for arriving just five minutes late. The incident took place on January 17, and the student, who lives in Tembhode, Palghar, developed painful lumps in his legs, along with severe stomach pain and vomiting after the punishment. His condition worsened, necessitating hospitalization. The boy’s parents were deeply troubled, especially as the incident occurred just days before his exams. They lodged a complaint with the Palghar police on January 19, leading to an inquiry involving both the school principal and the parents. During the investigation, it was revealed that the boy had previously been punished for attending school without shoes while menstruating. On that occasion, he was forced to run on the school field, which caused him significant physical distress. Following the hospitalization, the principal visited the student to offer an apology, stating, “We met the student in the hospital, and the matter has been resolved amicably. Such incidents will not happen again at this school.”