SWABI, Jan 13: The provincial education department has imposed a complete ban on corporal punishment in schools and teachers are directed to use alternative methods for inculcating discipline in students.

A letter (1803-30/F. No 13/DS &1/M&N/G:Corr: dated Dec 13, 2003) by the director of schools and literacy, Mohammad Jamshed Khan, directed that corporal punishment in schools was banned.

The letter is issued to all district education officers and will be forwarded to principals, headmasters and headmistresses for necessary action.

The letter stated that it was reported that some teachers gave corporal punishment in schools which was not desirable. It said: "There is complete ban on all sort of physical punishment and scolding on students in schools."

The education officers were also directed to pass necessary instructions to all heads of schools in their jurisdiction to avoid giving corporal punishment to students.

The letter stressed that instead of corporal punishment, the teachers should apply positive tactics for imparting education to students. "Positive incentives and awards will make the teaching- learning process more interesting and effective", the letter concluded.

Sources said that Federal Education Minister Zubeiba Jalal had also issued a similar letter banning corporal punishment in schools. The teachers had been ordered to avoid harsh treatment of students, the sources added.

TEACHERS' REACTION: The teachers were of the view that the lack of a conducive environment for studies created hurdles for students and the unfavourable circumstances forced teachers to give physical punishment to students to make them pay more attention to their studies.