The National Child Development Council (NCDC) held a core committee meeting recently. Members discussed the issues and challenges teachers face in today’s education system, focusing on their dignity, workload, stress, and support from institutions. During the meeting, members agreed that teaching, though seen as a noble profession, has become more demanding due to fast technological changes, diverse student needs, pressure from administration, and strict academic schedules. Today, teachers must constantly improve their technological and social skills, manage overcrowded classrooms, complete extensive paperwork, and still follow fixed curricula within limited time.
A major concern was the lack of support from administration and management, which often increases stress for teachers instead of alleviating it. Members emphasized that ongoing training, emotional support, and stress-management resources are crucial for teachers to work effectively in modern classrooms.
The discussion gained urgency after a recent incident in Kollam (Kerala), in which a school principal was reportedly denied entry into her own school for wearing a churidar instead of a saree. Members condemned the incident, calling it an insult to the dignity and self-respect of teachers. Speakers noted that the government has approved churidars as acceptable professional attire for teachers. They said enforcing outdated dress codes shows an old-fashioned mindset. Stopping a principal at the school gate, particularly by security staff, was described as a serious failure in institutional discipline and management ethics.
Committee members warned that publicly humiliating teachers sends a negative message to students and parents. This behavior undermines respect for educators and weakens the moral foundation of schools.
Resolution Demanded The NCDC core committee stressed that this issue needs to be addressed at the policy level. Members proposed a resolution urging the government to: Ensure teacher dignity, self-respect, and well-being in all educational institutions, Monitor school managements, especially aided schools receiving government funds, Prevent unfair enforcement of dress codes not supported by official regulations, Introduce clear guidelines to protect teachers from harassment by management, parents, or students, and Include dignity and respectful behavior towards teachers as key parts of future education policies.
Several members also expressed concern about educational institutions being run solely as businesses, with no regard for academic values or professional ethics. They urged the government to make sure school managements have at least a basic understanding of educational sensitivity and accountability.
Concluding the meeting, members reiterated that teachers are the backbone of the education system. Their mental health, professional freedom, and dignity must be protected. The council called on the government to take strict action against violations and create a supportive environment where teachers can focus on providing quality education without fear or humiliation. The meeting ended with a collective appeal for systemic change to restore respect, fairness, and humanity within the education system.
