Thiruvananthapuram, October 2
A recent report presented in the Kerala Assembly has revealed that 1,157 schools across Kerala have buildings deemed "unfit" for holding classes, according to the Local Self Government Department (LSGD),despite the state government highlighting its achievements in upgrading infrastructure in schools.
Of these, a majority, 875, are government schools, while 262 are aided institutions, and 20 unaided schools were found with unsafe buildings.
In a written reply to Karunagappally MLA C. R. Mahesh's question in the Kerala Assembly, General Education Minister V. Sivankutty stated that the government is taking the issue seriously. "While new school buildings are being constructed using plan funds and through KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board) projects, separate allocations are also being used for maintenance," he stated.
District-wise figures show Kollam topping the list with 143 schools having unfit buildings, followed by Alappuzha (134) and Thiruvananthapuram (120).
According to existing rules, all schools are required to obtain fitness certificates from their respective local authorities before reopening each academic year. The alarming figures underscore the urgent need for accelerated renovation and safety measures to ensure a secure learning environment for thousands of students across Kerala.
Earlier in July, a Zumba dance initiative was commenced in schools as part of the curriculum to promote physical fitness and mental well-being among students.
This program is part of the anti-drug campaign in schools in Kerala, aimed at helping students manage stress through physical activity. However, the initiative has faced criticism for allegedly encouraging inappropriate intermingling of boys and girls.
Speaking to ANI, Roma Mansoor, a certified International Zumba Fitness instructor, said, "I am happy to say that the Kerala government has taken initiative to promote Zumba in schools. It is a great initiative because nowadays children are addicted to many things that ruin their mindset. Zumba can help them relax their mind...It will help the children to increase their confidence. As it is a calorie-burning workout, it is a good move for weight management also..."
On June 28, Muslim groups in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram raised strong objections after the state education department introduced Zumba dance in schools, stating that they can't accept girls and boys intermingling, dancing together, or wearing minimal clothing.
The backlash began after TK Ashraf, a teacher and General Secretary of the Wisdom Islamic Organisation, posted on Facebook that he and his son would not participate in the programme."Cannot accept this, and my son and I will not participate in this," Ashraf wrote in a brief but direct statement opposing the initiative.
Following his statement, Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama leader Nassar Faizy Koodathai also criticised the sessions, calling them inappropriate and a violation of students' rights.
The education department, on the other hand, defended its decision, saying the Zumba sessions were voluntary and were introduced under a statewide initiative to help students cope with academic pressure and discourage drug abuse.
According to the official, the programme was designed to promote mental and physical well-being and was not mandatory for students.
Meanwhile, Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty strongly defended the inclusion of Zumba dance in schools, stating that raising objections to such activities would inject poison that is more deadly than drugs into society.
Responding to the criticism, Minister Sivankutty said, "No one has asked children to wear minimal clothes. Children are wearing school uniforms and performing this."CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby also backed the Kerala Government's plan to introduce Zumba in schools and said the backlash is "absolutely untrue".
— ANI
Reader Comments
Kollam district has 143 unsafe schools? That's alarming! While Zumba might be good for fitness, how can students dance when their classrooms might collapse? The government needs to get its priorities straight.
I appreciate the Zumba initiative for mental health, but the building safety issue is more urgent. Can't we focus on basic infrastructure first? Our children deserve safe learning environments above everything else.
As someone who works in education, I find this situation disappointing. Kerala is known for high literacy rates, but how can we maintain quality education with unsafe infrastructure? The government should act immediately.
The minister says they're taking it seriously, but 875 government schools being unsafe shows systematic failure. Maybe instead of new constructions, they should allocate more funds for maintenance of existing buildings.
While I understand concerns about Zumba, the real issue here is student safety. No child should have to study in an unsafe building. The government must address this on a war footing. Safety certificates should be strictly enforced.
This is heartbreaking 💔 Our future generations are studying in unsafe conditions while we debate about dance programs. Let's focus on what truly matters - providing safe, quality education for all children.
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