Teachers in Vadodara learn a ‘sweet lesson’ on punctuality

The “punishment” involves distribution of a day’s nutritious snack among the students.

Government Primary school teachers in Vadodara district have learnt a “sweet” lesson on punctuality. In a novel exercise to deter teachers from being irregular and late to schools, district primary education officer M P Mehta has implemented a unique punishment for the teachers flouting the rules — for every unexplained absenteeism or late arrival to their classes, they must treat all students of the school to salad or jaggery-gram portions.

This “sweet punishment” for the teachers has ensured order and discipline, claimed Mehta. “The drive was initiated a few weeks ago. Out of 1,067 schools in the district, nearly 200 schools have implemented the practice and others are following suit. The teachers are willingly reporting on time, and also volunteering to sponsor a day’s diet for the students. It has created a healthy exchange between the students and teachers,” the official said.

The “punishment” involves distribution of a day’s nutritious snack among all students of the school. The snack includes a portion of salad, jaggery-gram, chikki or any other nutritious sweet. Each 100 gram of the sweet packet costs Rs 10 per child and the average number of students per school is 75.

“We thought of this idea as it allows us to make the teachers realise their responsibility in a constructive way. It is the students who end up losing much, if teachers are irregular or not punctual. By way of this exercise, the teacher makes up for letting down students… It has enthused a positive spirit in the schools, instead of negatively telling them off,” the official said.

Mehta claimed several teachers have also volunteered to organise the treats to students on special occasions such as birthdays. “Initially, we thought of it only as a punishment, but teachers have now shown interest in providing the students with one day’s snack on their birthdays, anniversaries, birthdays of the school principal as well as political leaders and MLAs,” the official said.

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