Kerala Child Rights Commission urges schools to drop ‘sir’ and ‘madam’, use only ‘teacher’

The Kerala Child Rights Commission has issued a directive urging educational institutions across the state to discontinue the use of gender‑specific honorifics such as “sir” and “madam” when addressing teachers. Instead, the commission recommends the neutral term “teacher” for all classroom interactions. This recommendation aims to promote gender equality and reduce hierarchical language in school environments. The commission’s guidance is expected to be communicated to school administrations and teachers for implementation in the upcoming academic sessions. Authorities have been asked to monitor compliance and raise awareness among students and staff about the change.