All teachers will be trained in basic counselling skills from next year.
The Ministry of Education believes this is one way teachers can address hidden problems faced by students who misbehave in class.
Education Minister Dr Mahendra Reddy says teachers will soon not only be involved in teaching the curriculum.
’’We have plans to ensure students behave in a way that will not disturb the class and to organize the teachers. We want to set up committees in different districts including people from Social Welfare, officers from our Substance Abuse Department and community leaders who will be given opportunities to address students on a monthly basis."
Dr Reddy says actions taken by the ministry involving teachers and corporal punishment of students has prompted parents to report such cases .
“Now parents are able to come forward and report these cases because they see that the ministry is now serious about taking action against those teachers who are not adhering to the policy of education.”
The ministry is currently investigating three cases of teachers who allegedly physically abused students.
