FOR POLICE CHECKS MUMBAIKARS TEACHERS; THE MOVE HAIL
Staff, involving school way to go the sexual assaults certificates are With a rise in character teachers feel parents and
Maharashtra state education commissioner Suraj Mandhare announced that all teaching and non-teaching staff will have to submit character certificates at the school, beginning from the academic year 2022-23. This move was made keeping in mind countless reports of sexual assault involving school staff and students. When we spoke to parents and teachers in the city, this new rule was readily welcomed by all.
Reacting to this, Seema Pathak, a teacher for more than 15 years, is all for it. She adds, “I won’t call it a character certificate, but yes, a recommendation certificate, of sorts. We can’t judge anyone’s character but we can definitely recommend or not recommend someone. There have been instances lately where people of this noble profession have been involved in anti-social activities.”
Thane-based Jagdish Israni has been a teacher for over two decades, and he says “getting certificates from cops is going to be a tedious task”.
He adds, “While I am okay with giving my certificate, the question is why do I need one? Does any other profession require a certificate? But with the kind of times we are in and people we are dealing with, they (the students and their parents) will feel safer. This will also help eliminate criminals. But it can have its own effects. I know a teacher who is going through a divorce and his job can be at risk.”
Mahendra Shukla from Nallasopara, who has a six-year-old son, is elated with this move. “Some heinous crimes that have taken place with the kids in my locality. A child was kidnapped from my son’s school last year. Since then, we have been paranoid. With this move, I feel a sense of relief,” says the 32-year-old.
Rachana Valia, a mother to a 10-year-old, says, “Guru devo bhava. We treat our teachers, our gurus, as God. Our kids are in school for years and learn from their teachers. I would want someone with a good character to teach them. We got a bona fide certificate from my son’s school, saying he is a good student and is studying, so I am all for this.”