School in Kochi revises rules, to fine parents for late arrival of students

The Cochin Public School in Thrikkakara, which had faced public backlash for allegedly imposing harsh disciplinary measures on a fifth grader for arriving late, has amended its rules and regulations.

According to the revised rules, a child will no longer be punished or miss classes for arriving late. Instead, the onus has been placed on parents, who may now face a fine for bringing their wards late to school.

“Education is a fundamental right, and children cannot be denied it. A student arrives late to school because their parent is late. The child is not at fault here,” said Subin Paul, Deputy Director of Education, Ernakulam. He added that the issue between the student’s parents and the school had been resolved, and that the student had resumed classes.

Earlier, the Kerala State General Education department had warned the school in Kochi that its No Objection Certificate (NOC) could be cancelled if it continued with the alleged disciplinary measures. The issue came to light after the student’s parents alleged that he was made to run a few laps around the school grounds for arriving late. It was further alleged that he was not allowed to attend classes that day and was left alone in a room as a correction measure.

Administrative director of the school Nawaz Dawood said the issue had been resolved and the student had resumed classes.

As per the original rules and regulations of the school (which now stand scrapped), if a student were to arrive late to the school repeatedly, they would be required to run around the school ground. Parents were issued a warning each time, and if the student was late on the fourth day, they were not allowed to attend classes, with the parent required to take the child home. Under the new rules, a child will be excused up to three times for arriving late. If the student is late again, the parent must give an undertaking not to repeat it. Non-compliance, followed by another late arrival, will result in a fine for the parent.

Mr. Dawood claimed that the student had not been made to run around the school ground as a disciplinary action. “A student is excused thrice for arriving late. When a child comes late, they miss the morning exercise routine. They were asked to run around the ground only to warm up. Under the revised rules, instead of this, latecomers will now complete the exercise routine separately under the guidance of a physical training instructor,” he said.

A PTA meeting was convened last Tuesday, and the rules and regulations were amended after considering the suggestions of parents. While the updated rules are currently being implemented, they will be reflected in the school diary from the next academic year. “The student will not be punished, nor will they miss classes, as the parents are responsible here,” he added.