This would mean “no” to fetching articles for teachers, running to their houses for work or helping teachers with their daily chores.

Director Public Instructions (Schools) S K Setia says, “It was brought to my notice that teachers in some schools made students do their personal work. It is fine if the students help with some work in the schools like dusting their benches or helping keep the school clean. This is community service. However, if teachers want the students to cook in their houses or polish their shoes, this would not be tolerated.”

Action would be taken at the departmental level against any teacher indulging in such activities. It could also result in suspension. Also, if any underage child is found working in the houses of the teachers it would invite strict action.

The department is also going all out to fight the social issues like begging and child labour. In collaboration with the Labour Department, three teams will be sent to various parts of the city. Challans would be issued against the commercial establishments if children are found working there.

In case of beggars, they would be given the option of joining schools. Otherwise their picture would be clicked and kept for record. The interested children would be taken to schools, cleaned up and given uniforms, food, stationery and hygienic kit. The students who would agree to study would also be given Rs 250 per month. Medical examination of the children would be conducted.

A test drive was conducted today where 16 beggars tracked from various areas. The drive would continue on Monday.