Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Private Schools Regulatory Authority (KP-PSRA) Prohibition Of Corporal Punishment In Private Schools-Notification

Legal Action Warned Against Schools Violating Child Protection Laws – KP-PSRA:

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Private Schools Regulatory Authority (KP-PSRA) has issued an important directive to all private schools across the province, emphasizing the prohibition of corporal punishment within their institutions. This notification, dated January 22, 2025, addresses the serious issue of corporal punishment, which remains a concern despite existing laws and regulations aimed at protecting children from physical harm. The KP-PSRA has made it clear that corporal punishment is strictly prohibited under Clause 10(8) of its regulations. Furthermore, the Grievances Redressal Committee (GRC) reiterated this stance in its 54^th meeting. The notification also references Section 34 of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Act, 2010, which explicitly criminalizes corporal punishment and outlines severe legal consequences for those who either commit or permit such actions. Despite these regulations, complaints of corporal punishment in private schools continue to be reported, prompting the Managing Director (MD) of KP-PSRA to issue a stern reminder that strict action will be taken against any school found in violation of these rules. The directive serves to remind all private school managements and principals of their legal and ethical responsibility to provide a safe, supportive, and non-violent environment for students. Notification Describes;

PRIVATE SCHOOLS REGULATORY AUTHORITY
GOVERNMENT OF KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

No. Dir(Ops)KP-PSRA/2025/Peshawar/General File
Dated Peshawar the 22.01.2025

To,

The Management/Principals of All Private Schools
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Subject :-       PROHIBITION OF CORPORAL PUNISHMENT IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS

                              I am directed to refer to the subject noted above and to state that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Private Schools Regulatory Authority (KP-PSRA) strictly prohibited the corporal punishment in all private schools across the province under Clause 10(8) of Regulations which states that :-

“If the grievance involves criminal proceedings such as violence, child abuse, corporal punishment, extortion, the Complaint Committee may guide and facilitate the complainant in initiation of action in accordance with law.”

                              The Grievances Redressal Committee (GRC) in its 54 meeting also prohibited corporal punishment in private schools.

                              It is pertinent to mention here that Section 34 of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Act, 2010 states that :-

“Punishment for corporal punishment-whosoever causes or permits to cause corporal punishment, through omission or commission, in any form, under any circumstances or for any purpose, to a child, shall be punished with Imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees, or with both”.

                              However, this authority is receiving complaints consistently regarding corporal punishment against private schools owing to which the competent authority i.e. Managing Director (MD) has taken serious notice over the same.

                              In view of the above, all the private schools are hereby strictly directed to comply the directions of rules/regulations of KP-PSRA otherwise strict action would be taken accordingly.

Assistant Director-I (Operations)
KP-PSRA

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Private Schools Regulatory Authority’s strict prohibition of corporal punishment in private schools underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring their well-being within the educational system. The directive highlights the serious legal ramifications outlined in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Act, 2010, which include imprisonment, fines, or both for those found guilty of permitting or engaging in corporal punishment. With the consistent reports of violations, this notice serves as a final warning to all private schools in the province, urging them to comply fully with the regulations set forth by the KP-PSRA. Failure to do so will result in stringent actions against violators, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for students. The KP-PSRA’s continued vigilance and enforcement of these rules are essential in safeguarding children’s rights and ensuring that educational institutions serve as places of learning, growth, and respect, free from any form of abuse.

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