What Actions Will Be Taken After Alleged Illegal Confinement of Schoolboy?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a worrying incident, a Class 5 student was allegedly confined in a dark room for arriving late at school in Ernakulam. Kerala's Education Minister, V. Sivankutty, has ordered an inquiry into this matter, emphasizing that such behavior is intolerable. The investigation will delve into whether child protection laws were violated.
Key Takeaways
- Kerala Education Minister orders an inquiry into serious allegations.
- A Class 5 student was reportedly punished by being confined in a dark room.
- The incident raises concerns about child protection laws.
- Authorities denied wrongdoing, claiming the child was not left outside the classroom.
- The investigation aims to ensure accountability and adherence to educational standards.
Kochi, Aug 14 (NationPress) The Kerala Education Minister, V. Sivankutty, has expressed serious concern over allegations regarding a Class 5 student allegedly being locked in a dark room at a school in Ernakulam as punishment for tardiness. “This incident involving a Class 5 student being confined in a dark room has come to my attention, and such actions will not be tolerated in any school across the state. No teacher or school authority holds the right to act in this manner,” Sivankutty cautioned.
The case came to light following complaints that the boy was punished by being confined to the dark room due to his late arrival at school. “If a student is late, it is appropriate for a teacher to advise them against repeating it. However, confining a child in a manner that could endanger their mental health is utterly unacceptable,” Sivankutty, known for his strong advocacy for students' rights, added.
Preliminary findings indicate that the institution implicated in this incident does not adhere to the state syllabus. The government has ordered the Deputy Director of Education (DDE), Ernakulam, to investigate the matter and provide an urgent report. Subsequent actions will be taken based on the findings of this report.
“The Education Department has implemented strict measures in recent years, leading to a decrease in such incidents in government-run schools. Nevertheless, this recent event underscores the inadequacies in training for some teachers, particularly in schools that do not follow the state syllabus,” Sivankutty remarked.
In response to the allegations from the boy's father regarding mistreatment by school officials, the authorities denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the child was not left outside the classroom but was instead instructed to sit in a different classroom.
The investigation aims to ascertain whether the actions taken against the child breached child protection laws, and if necessary, disciplinary measures will be implemented against those responsible.
Point of View
We stand firm in our commitment to the protection of children’s rights. The recent incident in Ernakulam underscores the need for strict adherence to child welfare laws within educational institutions. The government's swift action in investigating this matter reflects a commitment to ensuring that no child faces unjust treatment in schools.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Class 5 student in Ernakulam?
The student was allegedly locked in a dark room as punishment for arriving late at school.
Who is investigating the incident?
The Deputy Director of Education for Ernakulam has been directed to conduct an inquiry.
What has the Education Minister said about the incident?
Education Minister V. Sivankutty stated that such behavior will not be tolerated and highlighted the need for proper training of teachers.
Was the school following the state syllabus?
Preliminary information suggests that the institution involved does not adhere to the state syllabus.
What actions will be taken if laws were violated?
If the investigation finds violations of child protection laws, disciplinary action will be initiated against those responsible.
