Thiruvananthapuram: The State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has issued directions not to force girls to tie their hair in twin braids when coming to school.

The commission, headed by Shobha Koshy, has issued the direction on the basis of a complaint filed by a plus two student studying at Cheemeni Higher Secondary school in Kasaragod. The complaint says that the school authorities are forcing the girl to tie her hair in twin braids.

The commission directed the Higher Secondary Director, Public Education Director and Public Education Secretary to issue an order immediately in this regard.

The complaint says that bad smell emanates from the hair due to tying the hair in twin braids. As the hair is getting broken due to the method of tying, the girls are coming to school without bathing, which in turn will result in many health problems. The complaint further says that the help of parents is required to tie the hair. The rule which is compulsorily enforced on girls is gender discrimination, the complaint says.

The commission found that it is difficult for girls to find time to tie hair in between studies and morning chores. This creates difficulties for the parents also as they have to go to work. The Commission pointed out that the head of the school can instruct students to tie their hair properly as part of the schools' discipline.

The commission directed the Education department to inform the action taken on the issue within one month.