The Education ministry in Mauritius is finalizing amendments to the law which will allow the state to prosecute parents of offending pupils for criminal liability following a spate of assaults on teachers.
Education Minister Vasant Bunwaree indicated that the idea had been discussed by all stakeholders in the education sector and that a consensus has been reached.
He added that teachers in both primary and secondary schools have been attacked by parents and students alike.
Concerning pupils, Bunwaree said the situation has reached intolerable levels and that the decision has been taken to instill responsibility in the minds and attitudes of parents.
The new law, Bunwaree averred, will definitely encourage parents to discipline their children both at home and in schools. At the same time it will also discourage parents of pupils to take the law into their own hands.
Also Bunwaree added that education is free in the country but that some parents are not bothered about the moral and civic responsibility that they have towards society when it comes to discipline.
He continued that security guards will be posted at the entrance of all schools to check the identity of persons who wish to have access to educational institutions.
This, he said, will act as a deterrent to those parents who may go to schools to mistreat teachers.
So far, there have been more than 200 attacks on teachers in 2009.
Source African Press Agency
