The General Education Department has initiated disciplinary action against the principal, headmistress and three teachers of St. Mary’s High School in Pattom on the basis of a complaint of physical and mental abuse against a Class 9 student.
The Director of General Education ordered the immediate transfer of principal Nelson P. and headmistress Rani M. Alex to other schools under the same management. The class teacher Deepu Varghese, Maths teacher Princy Oommen and Malayalam teacher Shyju Joseph have been suspended for their alleged involvement in the harassment of the student.
The decision follows an inquiry that found serious misconduct by the teachers in handling the issue. The probe found that Madanan V., the physical education teacher who allegedly manhandled the student, had been appointed through the Parent Teacher Association of the upper primary section without approval by the General Education Department. It recommended legal action against the teacher.
The report also highlights the “widespread” use of corporal punishment at the school and calls for immediate dismissal of staff working in violation of appointment norms. The probe also recommended regular follow-up inspections by the Thiruvananthapuram Deputy Director of Education and the District Education Officer.
The investigation had commenced after a complaint was filed by the student’s father on January 30. He alleged that his son had been beaten by the physical education teacher on January 22. He reportedly pushed the boy to the ground and struck him without reason in front of several other students. The Medical College police had registered a case in connection with the incident.
The inquiry also entrusted the District Education Officer to ensure counselling for the student and to address problems faced by him in appearing for his annual examinations due to the incident. Considering the difficulties the student faced, the official has also been directed to facilitate his transfer to another school, if sought by him and his guardians.
The probe also instructed the Deputy Director of General to examine any fund collection being undertaken in the school.
The school management has expressed strong disapproval of the inquiry, calling it prejudiced and faulting it for lacking a balanced view of the issue.
In a statement, the school maintains that the findings and recommendations unfairly target the school and its staff. The school management claims that the inquiry report overlooks certain aspects of the alleged incident, including the behaviour of the student who purportedly attempted to physically assault the teachers. It also does not address the parent’s “irresponsible” demands such as allowing the student to consume junk food during class.
Published – March 16, 2025 08:17 pm IST