Kochi School Introduces Fines for Students’ Late Arrivals

Quick Summary:

• Cochin Public School in Thrikkakara amended its disciplinary measures following public backlash for allegedly punishing a fifth grader for arriving late.
• Revised rules state that children will no longer be punished or miss classes for arriving late; instead, parents may face fines for repeat lateness.
• Teh Kerala State General Education department had warned the school of possible cancellation of its No Objection Certificate (NOC) over the issue.
• Earlier allegations included making the student run laps and isolating him in a room as punishment for lateness. these actions were reportedly scrapped, and the student has resumed classes.
• Under new rules, students excused up to three times for tardiness must then have their parents provide an undertaking; subsequent violations may lead to fines on parents instead of punitive steps against children.
• Administrative director Nawaz Dawood clarified that running laps was intended as exercise rather than punishment. Late arrivals will now complete missed exercises separately under supervision per updated guidelines considered at a PTA meeting.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
The revision of disciplinary measures by Cochin Public School highlights increasing sensitivity towards safeguarding children’s educational rights while addressing punctuality concerns involving parents. The shift from penalizing students to holding parents accountable ensures that children’s access to education remains uninterrupted-a principle strongly defended by policymakers like Ernakulam Deputy Director Subin Paul.

From a broader perspective, this incident emphasizes the importance of balance between enforcing discipline and protecting child welfare within schools’ operational frameworks. While fining parents creates accountability, the ongoing PTA involvement suggests recognition of diverse stakeholder perspectives in shaping inclusive policies sensitive to societal dynamics.

Such episodes reinforce India’s evolving focus on child rights and democratic engagement in education administration-a promising trend benefiting long-term institutional trust across communities.

Read more: Published – September 02, 2025 12:54 am IST