Every student admitted to the school pledges to willingly observe all the rules and regulations, and to uphold and respect the principles on which the institute is founded. These principles are deeply rooted in value-based education for children in a holistic and spiritual approach. It is understood that any violation of this pledge may result in the student forfeiting his/her membership of the school. Each student has a duty to perform all tasks assigned to them in connection with the functioning of the school to the best of their ability, thereby contributing to the value-based education in schools.
All Sikh students are required to follow the Sikh spiritual and religious way of life being taught at the school, which is an integral part of our holistic education and spirituality approach. They are expected to keep their hair intact and are not permitted to cut hair from any part of their body. Any deviation from these Sikh religious principles, especially the cutting of hair, will lead to strict action and punishment, which may include expulsion. The students are encouraged to prepare themselves for partaking Amrit (through the Sikh way of baptism) at an appropriate age during their study period in the Akal Academy. This preparation is seen as a significant step in their journey of value-based education for children, providing them with enhanced divine wisdom.
It may be mentioned here that a full bench of the Punjab & Haryana High Court, headed by Hon’able Mr. Justice J.S. Khehar, in C.W.P. No. 14859 of 2008, has held that retaining hair unshorn (without trimming hair from the body or plucking hair from the eyebrows) is one of the most important and fundamental tenets of the Sikh religion. In fact, it is undoubtedly a part of the religious consciousness of the Sikh faith. Justice J.S. Khehar is now a judge of the Supreme Court of India. The afore-mentioned judicial verdict is now law of the land on this issue. All Non-Sikh students, while remaining in their own religion, would participate in the spiritual-cum-moral studies and programmes being carried out in the Academy during their stay in the school.
Any indiscipline on the part of a student may lead to his/her removal from the school rolls. The decision of the President of the Kalgidhar Trust / Society, in such cases, shall be final. Legal Disputes, if any, shall lie within the jurisdiction of the District where the Academy is located.
BULLYING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED INSIDE THE SCHOOL PREMISES
Bullying has severe detrimental effects on those who are bullied. The effects can be immediate. They can also be long-term and can cause lifelong damage. In every bullying situation, there are typically three key parties: the victim, the bully or bullies, and those who stand by (by-standers), who are aware of the bullying. Each of these three parties is affected negatively by bullying.
The responsibility of preventing any undesirable aspect of bullying and ragging rests jointly and also individually on all stakeholders, which includes the head of the institution teacher, non-teaching staff, students, parents and local community.
Bullying is strictly prohibited inside the school premises and no such act will go unnoticed or unpunished.
The methods of intervention are as important as methods of prevention. Following actions and penalties may be taken by the School Management as per observation and understanding the gravity of the misconduct:
(i) Oral/written warning.
(ii) Suspension from attending classes/school for a specified period.
(iii)Withholding or cancelling the results.
(iv) Imposition of fine upto a specified amount.
(v) Expulsion/rustication from school in case of high severity of the misdemeanour.
(vi) Transferring a student from one school to another school.
RAGGING IS PROHIBITED IN SCHOOLS
Ragging is any disorderly conduct whether by words, spoken or written or by an act with the effect of teasing, treating or handling with rudeness any other student. It also involves indulging in rowdy or indisciplined activities which is likely to cause annoyance or psychological harm or apprehension or fear in any student or doing any act or performing something which a student will not do in the ordinary course and may cause shame or embarrassment or adversely affect the physique or psyche of one student by another.
Ragging is manifested in several aspects such as psychological, social, cultural and academic dimensions.Exploiting the relationship which has an inherent power structure such as between a senior and junior student for any of the factors mentioned above will fall under ragging .An act or abuse by spoken words, emails, public insults should be considered within the psychological aspects of ragging. Any act which affects the physical, mental, emotional – health, self-confidence or self-esteem of a student can be categorized as an aspect of ragging.
The onus of preventing any undesirable aspect of ragging rests jointly and individually on all stakeholders which includes the head of the institution, teachers, non-teaching staff, students, parents and the local community. A concerted effort by everyone concerned is the need of the hour.
No Act of Violence which includes physical or sexual abuse, bullying or Ragging will go unnoticed or unpunished.
In case of any untoward incident, the Anti-ragging Committee will do detailed investigation and will give their recommendations. Following penalties can be imposed on the offending student(s) by the head of the school or person authorized by him/her, depending upon the severity of the misdemeanour:
1. Suspension from classes and/or Hostel
2. Fine of Rupees 5,000/- to 50,000/-
3. Rustication or expulsion from school.