Guwahati : A growing number of cases involving teacher misconduct in Assam has raised serious concerns over student safety, with official records indicating that nearly 35 per cent of reported incidents are linked to sexual abuse.

Between 2023 and 2026, at least 30 cases of inappropriate behaviour by teachers have been recorded across the state. These range from verbal intimidation to sexual harassment, with cases of sexual misconduct prosecuted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Around 30 per cent of the cases involve verbal abuse, while the rest relate to coercion or misuse of authority within classrooms.

Experts caution that the actual scale of the problem may be far greater, as many incidents go unreported or are resolved informally by school authorities and parents without legal intervention.

The issue has come into sharper focus following a recent case at a school in Silchar, where a senior teacher has been accused of verbal abuse, physical assault, and coercing students to join private tuition classes. The allegations also include psychological intimidation, reportedly referencing a past student suicide case to threaten pupils.

Taking cognisance of the matter, the National Human Rights Commission has directed the Assam Education Department, along with district authorities in Cachar, to submit an Action Taken Report.

The latest incident adds to a series of cases reported in recent years. In 2022, multiple teachers in districts such as Kamrup, Pathsala and Morigaon faced action over alleged sexual misconduct involving minors. In September 2024, a teacher in Dhubri district was arrested under POCSO for attempted sexual harassment, triggering protests. Similar cases have also been reported in Cachar and Guwahati, including allegations of molestation and verbal abuse.

More recently, a private tutor in Kokrajhar was sent to judicial custody under POCSO provisions for alleged inappropriate behaviour towards minor students.

Child rights activists warn that such recurring incidents are eroding trust in the education system and creating an atmosphere of fear among students. Many victims remain silent due to intimidation, with cases often surfacing only after intervention by parents or civil society groups.

Activists have called for urgent systemic reforms, including the implementation of child safeguarding policies in all schools, regular training for teachers on child protection laws, and awareness programmes for students on reporting mechanisms.

They have also suggested practical measures such as installing monitored suggestion boxes and forming independent oversight committees to review complaints and ensure accountability.

Framing classroom misconduct as a human rights issue, experts stress the need for stronger institutional response mechanisms. “The challenge lies not only in punishing offenders but in rebuilding a safe, fear-free environment where students can learn with dignity,” an activist said.