In recent weeks, there has been a surge in news about children facing sexual harassment in schools. These are not isolated incidents but rather serious cases that have drawn attention across the state.
Schools appear to be an accessible place for pedophiles, as children are naturally more vulnerable. This seems to be the root cause of recurring incidents.
Shocking Incidents Across Tamil Nadu
In Krishnagiri district, three teachers were arrested in connection with the sexual assault of an 8th-grade student in a government school. In Cuddalore district, a teacher was arrested for sexually harassing a 10th-grade student in a government model school. In Tiruchirapalli, a teacher was arrested for harassing a 2nd-grade student in a government school, while in Manapparai, a 4th-grade student faced sexual harassment.
திருச்சி மாவட்டம் மணப்பாறையில்,
4-ம் வகுப்பு மாணவி பாலியல் தொல்லைக்கு ஆளானதாக வரும் செய்தி நெஞ்சை பதை பதைக்க வைக்கிறது.பெண்கள், குறிப்பாக சிறுமிகளுக்கு எதிரான பாலியல் சீண்டல்கள் இந்த ஸ்டாலின் மாடல் திமுக ஆட்சியில் எந்த விதமான அச்சமும் இன்றி அதிகரித்து வருவது மிகுந்த… pic.twitter.com/HksAeEoWat
— Edappadi K Palaniswami-SayYEStoWomenSafety&AIADMK (@EPSTamilNadu) February 7, 2025
In Chennai’s Ayanavaram area, a mentally challenged college student was subjected to sexual violence for several months by a group of seven men. In Pudukkottai district, an assistant headmaster was arrested on February 18 for sexually harassing several girl students in a government school. These are just a few examples.
AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami, on his X (Twitter) page, criticized the ruling government: “It is heartbreaking to see Tamil Nadu becoming an unsafe state for girls under Stalin’s ‘Model’ DMK rule. The Chief Minister boasts about arrests after the crime but fails to explain what preventive measures were taken.”
கோவை அருகே 17 வயது சிறுமி 7 பேரால் கூட்டு பாலியல் வன்கொடுமைக்கு ஆளானதாக வரும் செய்தி அதிர்ச்சியளிக்கிறது.
சிறுமிகளுக்கே பாதுகாப்பற்ற மாநிலமாக தமிழ்நாடு ஸ்டாலின் மாடல் திமுக ஆட்சியில் மாறி வருவது மிகுந்த வேதனைக்குரியது.
“குற்றம் நடந்த பின் கைது செய்துவிட்டோம்” என்று சொல்லும்…
— Edappadi K Palaniswami-SayYEStoWomenSafety&AIADMK (@EPSTamilNadu) February 18, 2025
What Does the 2012 Government Order Say?
In 2012, the then AIADMK government issued G.O. No. 121, mandating strict disciplinary action against teachers involved in sexual harassment.
As per the order:
1. Strict Disciplinary Action:
Teachers found guilty of misconduct will face compulsory retirement or dismissal. This aligns with Rule 19(2) of the Tamil Nadu Government Servants Conduct Rules and Rule 8 of the Tamil Nadu Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules.
2. Cancellation of Educational Certificates:
Authorities will revoke the teaching credentials of the accused teachers.
3. Awareness for Students:
Schools must educate students about self-protection and how to identify and report misconduct.
4. Psychological Counseling:
Qualified counselors should provide psychological support to teachers to prevent misconduct.
5. Mobile Counseling Centers:
The School Education Department should establish mobile counseling units with trained counselors to support students and guide teachers.
Current Status and Expert Opinions
The Tamil Nadu Minister for School Education, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, has repeatedly stated that the educational certificates of teachers involved in sexual offenses will be revoked.
However, child rights activist Andrew Sesuraj points out: “Many teachers have been proven guilty in sexual offense cases. But there is no clear information on whether strict departmental action has been taken against them. In most cases, teachers are merely transferred or suspended. Transfer only increases the risk of them harming other children. The government must strictly enforce the 2012 G.O. to bring real change.”
Another child rights activist, Devaneyan, highlights the lack of a Child Protection Policy in Tamil Nadu, even though the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) mandates every state to implement such a policy.
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“Schools must address all forms of violence against children. UNICEF’s Child Protection Policy emphasizes this, but Tamil Nadu has yet to implement it,” says Devaneyan.
He further stresses: “School administrations are responsible for child safety. Yet, in most cases, it’s the parents who file complaints. Schools must acknowledge the issue, and teachers should speak out. The School Education Department must collaborate with child protection organizations, the police, and the district child protection units to tackle the problem effectively.”
AIADMK’s Appeal and Helpline Numbers
The AIADMK Students’ Wing claims that incidents of sexual violence against girls have increased by 40-50% in recent years. Singai Ramachandran, Secretary of the AIADMK Students’ Wing, urges volunteers to join the fight against child abuse. Those interested can WhatsApp their name, address, and reason for volunteering to 91 50 65 67 67.
தன்னார்வலர்கள் தேவை!
கடந்த சில ஆண்டுகளில், சிறுமிகள் பாலியல் வன்கொடுமைகளுக்கு ஆளாவது 40-50% அதிகரித்துள்ளது என்பது மனவருத்தத்தை அளிக்கிறது.
சிறுமிகள் மற்றும் மாணவிகளுக்கு தினம் தினம் நடக்கும் பாலியல் வன்கொடுமை பற்றிய செய்திகள் தங்களை பாதிக்கிறதா?
நீங்கள் எந்த கட்சி… pic.twitter.com/lA87jlpqet
— AIADMK Student Wing – அஇஅதிமுக மாணவரணி (@AdmkStudentWing) February 20, 2025
Children facing any form of abuse can seek help by contacting: 📞 1098 (Child Helpline) 📞 14417 (Tamil Nadu Government Helpline)
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