Telangana: TRSMA Seeks Law To Protect Teachers, Schools

HYDERABAD: The murder of private school principal Roopa Reddy allegedly by two students has prompted school managements to demand a dedicated law to protect teachers, principals and institutions from threats and violence. At a press conference on Saturday, the Telangana Recognised School Managements Association (TRSMA) sought a time‑bound investigation and speedy trial in the case and called for a Teachers & Schools Protection Act.

TRSMA president Sadula Madhusudan said the incident had created “a serious sense of insecurity” among teachers, principals and management, particularly in private schools. The association noted that a substantial share of private school teachers are women and urged special attention to their safety and dignity.

General secretary N. Ramesh Rao said the proposed law should provide safeguards against “assaults, threats, intimidation, unlawful entry into school premises, vandalism, damage to school property and obstruction or disruption of legitimate academic activities”. TRSMA also sought a coordinated School Safety and Teacher Protection mechanism involving the Education department, police and district administration.

“Parents and schools are equal partners in the upbringing and education of children,” the association said, urging greater parental responsibility for students’ behaviour and discipline. Member P. Raghavendra Reddy said schools needed reasonable freedom, subject to due process, to deal with persistent misconduct or violent behaviour threatening safety. He sought permission for schools to issue transfer certificates in such cases.

TRSMA also called for counselling, anger management, conflict resolution and behavioural‑support programmes for students, particularly adolescents. The association said it would place its demands before the Chief Minister and senior officials.