The Directorate of Public Instruction (DPI) has issued an order here on Tuesday to shut down the Jawahar English Medium School at Kudappanakkunnu, following the incident in which a four-year-old child was allegedly locked up in a kennel by the head teacher by way of punishment. The order was issued on the basis of a report filed by the Thiruvananthapuram Deputy Director of Education.
The report described the school building as a ‘residential’ one, which in no way provides a learning environment. There are around 130 students enrolled here who are taught in small, crammed, classrooms with no ventilation. The report adds that the institution has no basic amenities for the children. It stresses that the school simply cannot function because it does not adhere to the specifications under the Kerala Education Rules.
It was also found to be lacking any recognition of State and Central boards. “According to the Right to Education Act, no education institution is allowed to function without affiliation or a valid NOC (No Objection Certificate),” said L. Rajan, Additional DPI. The government has also directed that the students enrolled here be supported to find admission in nearby schools.
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The boy was said to have been locked up for nearly four hours on September 25, as punishment for talking in class. He and his sister, a student of the same school, were allegedly threatened into silence by the school Principal, S. Sashikala. They reported the incident to their parents only a few days later, who brought the matter to the notice of Childline and the Peroorkada police. The Kerala State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights will hold a hearing this week.