Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty has directed the Director of General Education to conduct an inquiry after a fifth-grade student at Cochin Public School in Thrikkakara was reportedly locked alone in a dark room for arriving late.
The student, who was three minutes late, was first made to run two laps around the ground before being confined to a dark room. The student later said, “I reached school and was 2–3 minutes late. They made us run for two rounds. The principal told me either my parents should come and pick me or I had to sit alone in a room. Only teachers were there in that class.”
Sivankutty said that he spoke to the student’s father, adding, “He told me that the school authorities suggested he take a Transfer Certificate if he wished. I told the parents not to take the TC. Such practices are unacceptable in Kerala’s education system.”
Sivankutty emphasised the importance of child safety and education, adding, “The child and family will not be isolated. Arbitrary punishments are not suitable for Kerala’s education. Parents, teachers, and society will stand together.”
“Even if disciplinary measures are printed in the school diary, who gave them the authority to do that?” he asked. The Minister noted that even unaided schools must follow Kerala education rules and cannot impose arbitrary disciplinary measures. The deputy director of the education department has been tasked with submitting a full report, after which action will be taken.
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