Shillong, Nov. 12: Meghalaya education minister Manas Chaudhuri today said the state government had directed the officers of his department and schools across the state not to resort to corporal punishment under any circumstances.

An order has also been issued saying indiscipline by students would not be tolerated, he said.

During a call attention motion, MLA Lahkmen Rymbai sought action against the headmistress of Nongtalang High School in Jaintia Hills district for the “inhuman treatment” meted out to six Class VIII students who were asked to stand outside the classroom.

Chaudhuri said the government would take necessary steps to prevent a repeat of such incidents in the days to come.

The minister told the House that following a departmental inquiry by the inspector of schools, Jowai, a report was submitted.

The deputy commissioner of Jaintia Hills district also deputed a magistrate to probe the incident, he said, adding that the matter was later amicably settled between the students, teachers and the headmistress of the school.

After having examined the matter, the government was satisfied that the headmistress of the school had exercised her legitimate powers to maintain discipline, Chaudhuri said.

On October 1, the students had left class to play a football match against another school, defying the headmistress’ orders.

The next day, they were denied entry into the classroom and asked to stand outside. A few of them fainted under the strain and had to be hospitalised.

Chaudhuri, however, said that the punishment was meted out to enforce discipline and not to harass the students.