CBSE school in Kochi warned that its NOC will be revoked if it continued with medieval disciplinary measures
This was after a Class V student and his family accused the school of making him run multiple rounds around the school ground under the sun for late arrival and leaving him alone in a room, without allowing him to attend class, on Thursday (August 14, 2025). The incident was reported from the Cochin Public School in Thrikkakara in Ernakulam district.
Notice served
Education Minister V. Sivankutty sought a report on the incident from the Deputy Director of Education (DDE), Ernakulam. The DDE office officials visited the school and served a notice warning that the NOC would be suspended unless the school ceased its allegedly medieval disciplinary measures.
'The school authorities were receptive and agreed to do away with such disciplinary measures, which involve denying permission for students who come late to school for more than three days to attend class. Either parents will have to take them back home or they will be made to sit in a room alone. They are also made to run multiple rounds around the ground. These people seem to have been caught up in a time warp. We will issue a copy of the notice to the Regional Director of CBSE as well for a potential inquiry,' said DDE sources.
Reportedly, the family of the student and the school Principal had a heated exchange over the incident.
The school authorities were not available for comments despite repeated attempts. A woman at the school who picked up the call curtly said that a meeting was under way and disconnected the call.
Protest march
Activists of student outfits, including the Students Federation of India and the Kerala Students Union, took out a protest march and barged into the school. They were removed by the police. 'We haven't received any complaint from the family without which we cannot take any action,' said the Thrikkakara police. Reportedly, the family has lodged a petition with the school management against the Principal.
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Hindustan Times
10 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Willingdon co-op residents in race against time to save their homes
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The building, constructed in 2010, has part-OC and no NOC for fire safety. The deadline for eviction incidentally coincides with upcoming festivals – Paryushan, a Jain festival of self-purification, and Ganesh Chaturthi. After the SC's August 1 directive the society submitted an undertaking to BMC on August 8, in which the residents formally agreed to vacate their flats on August 27. Failure to move would result in forcible eviction with police assistance, following which the premises would be sealed, civic officials had confirmed at the time. The affected residents are soldering on to protect their homes and working hard to fulfil all 17 requirements set by the Mumbai Fire Brigade, which include installing fire sprinklers on every floor, acquiring diesel generator (DG) sets and constructing a nine-metre-wide ramp for emergency vehicle access, before the next HC hearing on August 22, which concerns the OC for lower floors (1 to 16). Twenty five families reside on those lower floors – they are protected for now as the building has part-OC, while those on the upper floors are facing the brunt of the legal and logistical battle. The fire department's inspection of the premises on Thursday has infused a shot of optimism among residents. The fire NOC is crucial, since without that, the society cannot secure a full OC, especially for floors 17 through 34, which are deemed unauthorised under current regulations. 'We are leaving no stone unturned,' said Narendra Bhandari, chairman of the society, who is overseeing the ongoing construction of the ramp at one of the building's entrances. 'We've fulfilled nearly all the fire compliance norms, save one minor condition. We are ensuring every little detail is being taken care of for the safety of the residents,' he said. Mahesh Shivahare, the society's secretary and a 24th-floor resident, echoed the urgency of the situation. 'We have complied with all fire safety requirements. All the work is nearly done, but we are fighting against time. We have exhausted all our resources – the emotional and financial strain have been immense,' he said. Karan Singh, who lives on the 13th floor, said, 'We are united and staying strong. Our focus is on getting the fire NOC before August 27.' The present crisis has cast a shadow over upcoming festivals, with residents overwhelmed by the uncertainty of their future. Articulating the collective fear, Shivahare said, 'We have senior citizens with health issues, school-going children, and two weddings planned by two families.' Dilip Sethia, a 19th floor resident, pointed out how the deadline comes at a time of festivities. 'Most of us are Jains who observe Paryushan from August 20 to 27. Our festivals are meant to be peaceful. We fast in this period, but now we are dealing with uncertainty and fear.' Satish Mehta, who owns two flats on the 34th floor and has lived in the society for over 12 years, highlighted the immense logistical challenges of relocating. 'There's a shortage of rental flats in Tardeo due to ongoing redevelopment. We need at least 40 flats within 10 days. Many of our residents are elderly and ailing. Uprooting them is not just difficult, it's challenging,' he said. The origins of the problem date back to 2018, when BMC first served a notice to the society to vacate the premises, deemed illegal for failure of compliances, under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act. A follow-up notice in February 2025 reaffirmed the order to vacate. The demise of the builder and his absconding son through this time had left residents in a legal quagmire. Reflecting on the lessons learned, Mehta pointed out that unlike in the past, today there is much more transparency in property sales, as buyers can easily access information through BMC's portal and the MahaRERA website, where both complaints and builder records are available. 'It's no longer easy for builders to cheat, there are clear avenues for accountability. But when we purchased this property in 2010, everything was manual, and awareness was low. I would advise buyers to verify every plan the builder shows with the BMC's building proposal department. Builders often revise and amend plans, presenting one version to buyers while the BMC may have an entirely different one on record, especially regarding FSI concessions,' he added. Meanwhile, the court's decision on August 22 will determine whether their last-ditch efforts will bear fruit or force them into a hurried and painful exodus on August 27. 80% of Mumbai's bldgs operate with part-OC A senior housing expert, who did not wish to be named but has worked extensively with the government, said that around 80% of Mumbai's buildings operate with only part-Occupancy Certificates (OC), a loophole often exploited by builders. 'Developers complete construction, following which they apply for part-OC so that they can get permission from BMC to carry out work on the interiors. Once that is in, electricity and water is provided to the buildings for six months. This part-OC is meant only for temporary work, not for occupation. However, once it is granted, people move in. After six months there are no checks from the administration,' he said. On the issue of flouting FSI (Floor Space Index) norms, he pointed out that changing regulations over time have allowed builders to exploit the system. 'Earlier FSI rules were different. Builders constructed illegally, and now they push for regularisation under the new FSI regime. It's a system that encourages violations, with money exchanging hands between builders, politicians and officials.' He criticised the new Development Control Regulations (DCR), saying they effectively reward violations. 'DCR 33(11), 33(12B), and 33(20B) allow illegal constructions to be regularised by granting additional FSI. These rules are destroying the city.' What the law says 'A No Objection Certificate (NOC) for fire preparedness, by itself, is not sufficient. It must comply with the law. An NOC from the fire department that violates fire safety norms is just as bad or worse than having no NOC at all. 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Willingdon Vs Campa Cola case The Campa Cola housing society, in Worli, and Willingdon View Cooperative Housing Society – both mired in cases of illegal construction – differ significantly in legal reasoning and judicial approach. HT has seen the copy of the HC order of July 15 2025, pronounced in the Willingdon case, which underscored the differences between this and the Campa Cola case. It stated that in the case of Campa Cola, the Supreme Court initially granted temporary relief to residents on humanitarian grounds, invoking Article 142 of the Constitution, which empowers the court to deliver complete justice. The case involved unauthorised floors in the housing complex that exceeded the permitted Floor Space Index (FSI). In contrast, the Willingdon View case involves the absence of fire safety NOC and a full occupation certificate, which renders the building illegal. The court firmly rejected any comparison with Campa Cola, emphasising that statutory provisions and planning regulations must be upheld. The court also criticised a recurring pattern in Mumbai's real estate sector, where developers and societies exceed permissible limits and later seek protection on humanitarian grounds.
Indian Express
16 hours ago
- Indian Express
Bombay HC seeks BMC's response to plea by occupants of ‘dilapidated' building which houses iconic eatery ‘Jimmy Boy' to repair structure
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News18
20 hours ago
- News18
CBSE Defers Orientation Programme In UP's Shahjahanpur Amid 'Rising Water Levels'
The programme, originally scheduled for August 19, 2025 at Seth M. R. Jaipuria School, Shahjahanpur (U.P.), has been delayed. The Central Board of Secondary Education or CBSE has postponed the orientation programme and career pathways event in Shahjahanpur, UP due to rising water levels in the area. The event, initially scheduled for August 19, 2025, at Seth M. R. Jaipuria School, Shahjahanpur (U.P.), has been delayed. As per the official notice, the new date for the orientation programme and career pathways will be announced soon. The board initiated this orientation programme for entrance exams and career pathways to provide school Principals and Counselors with updated career guidance strategies in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This policy emphasizes the importance of strong counseling systems to support students' aspirations and informed decision-making. The programme aims to equip Principals and Counselors with effective student guidance tools, share information on internships, scholarships, and higher education, align career counseling practices with NEP 2020, and raise awareness of diverse and emerging career paths. For more details, candidates can visit the official CBSE website. 'This is with reference to the circular dated 05.08.2025 regarding the Orientation Program on Entrance Exams and Career Pathways scheduled for 19 August 2025 at Seth M.R. Jaipuria School, Shahjahanpur (U.P.). In view of the Advisory dated 11.08.2025 issued by the Officer-in-Charge (Floods), Sharda Canal Division, Shahjahanpur, regarding rising river water levels in the region, the Board has decided to postpone the above program. We regret any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding. The revised date will be notified in due course," reads the official notice. Meanwhile, CBSE has announced significant changes to the Legal Studies subject for classes 11 and 12 to make it more relevant. Students will now learn about key legal reforms such as the Triple Talaq law, Indian Judicial Code (BNS), Indian Civil Protection Code (BNSS), Indian Evidence Act (BSA), the abolition of sedition law, and the removal of Section 377. CBSE will collaborate with an expert committee and a content development agency to implement the new syllabus starting from the 2026-27 session. view comments First Published: August 15, 2025, 18:12 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
