“NCPCR calls for action against harassment of students during Hindu festivals, says schools should not ban customary items like rakhi, mehndi, tilak etc”, Opindia, September 1, 2024:
“The National Commission for Protection of Children Rights (NCPCR) has raised serious concerns relating to the treatment of children in schools concerning Hindu festival celebrations. The NCPCR, in two separate letters dated 8th August 2024 and 31st August 2024, had instructed that immediate action was required from the relevant authorities to stop discrimination and harassment in schools of students during festival seasons. The letters in particular mentioned harassment which students have to face regarding carrying tradition, customary symbols or items like rakhis, mehndi, tilak, etc.
On 8th August, the NCPCR sent a letter to the Principal Secretaries of School Education Departments across all States and Union Territories and urged them to ensure that the schools do not engage in practices that discriminate against students if they were wearing traditional items during the festival season.
The letter highlighted that various news reports and observations indicated that some schools were not allowing children to wear rakhis, tilak or mehndi during festivals such as Rakshabandhan……”
Read the full article at Opindia.com
