UKG student left on roadside over unpaid school bus fees in Malappuram, parents file complaint

Malappuram: In a shocking incident, a UKG student was left on the roadside and denied entry to the school bus due to unpaid fees in Malappuram. Raising serious allegations against the school management, the five-year-old boy's parents filed a complaint with  Kerala Education Minister, the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, and the local police seeking justice and appropriate action against the school’s handling of the incident.

The alleged incident occurred earlier this week at Chelambra ALP School, an aided management institution where salaries are paid by the state government while daily operations are managed privately. The five-year-old student was waiting for the bus as usual when he was reportedly told he could not board because the bus fee of ₹1,000 for two months had not been paid. The bus then left without informing the parents. Neighbours helped the crying child return home safely.

The school claimed the bus driver acted on the principal’s instructions, which were reportedly issued in response to the delayed payment. Later, school authorities and PTA members visited the family to apologise.

Despite the apology, the family has decided to withdraw the child from the school, citing the mental distress caused. The mother said the management also behaved rudely when she visited to complain and instructed her to leave. She confirmed that her child will no longer attend the school. The school authorities declined to comment on the matter.