According to a Government Report, 1,157 schools in Kerala are unsuitable for classes.
Kerala : According to a recent report submitted in the Kerala Assembly, up to 1,157 schools across the state have buildings classified “unfit” for use as classrooms. The Local Self administration Department (LSGD) released the numbers, despite the fact that the state administration has emphasized its efforts to improve school facilities.
In answer to a question from Karunagappally MLA C. R. Mahesh, General Education Minister V. Sivankutty accepted the problem and stated that the administration is taking it 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 replied to the query.
According to district data, Kollam has the most unsafe schools, with 143, followed by Alappuzha with 134 and Thiruvananthapuram with 120.
Existing guidelines require all schools to get fitness certificates from their respective local bodies before resuming each academic year. The new figures underline the critical need for speedier renovations and safety checks to guarantee thousands of students in Kerala can study in a safe atmosphere.
Zumba in Schools Sparks Debate in Kerala .
Even as the state deals with infrastructure challenges, the introduction of Zumba dance in schools has sparked controversy. The project, which was added to the curriculum in July as part of the government’s anti-drug effort, aims to boost students’ physical fitness as well as their mental health.
While many people have praised the decision, it has also provoked criticism. Supporters suggest that the sessions help children cope with stress, while detractors claim they encourage inappropriate male-female interaction.
Roma Mansoor, a qualified International Zumba Fitness instructor, applauded the initiative. “I am pleased to announce that the Kerala government has taken the initiative to promote Zumba in schools. It is an excellent project because today’s children are addicted to a variety of substances that harm their mental health. Zumba can promote mental relaxation. It will help the children build their confidence. “It’s a calorie-burning workout that can also help with weight management,” she explained to ANI.
However, opposition arose as certain religious groups expressed concerns. On June 28, Muslim organisations in Thiruvananthapuram opposed to the practice, stating that boys and girls should not dance together or wear unsuitable clothes.
The response grew after TK Ashraf, a teacher and General Secretary of the Wisdom Islamic Organization, announced on Facebook that he and his son would not attend. “Cannot accept this, and my son and I will not participate in this,” he wrote in an email.
Nassar Faizy Koodathai, the leader of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, also spoke out, calling the sessions “inappropriate” and a violation of students’ rights.
The government defends its move.
Despite the criticism, the Kerala Education Department has defended the initiative, stating that participation is voluntary. Officials emphasized that the Zumba program was part of a larger effort to assist adolescents manage academic stress and stay away from drugs.
Minister V. Sivankutty firmly supported the measure, calling complaints misguided. “No one has asked youngsters to dress minimally. Children are wearing school uniforms and doing this,” he added, adding that blocking such activities would inject “poison more lethal than narcotics” into society.
According to the official, the curriculum was aimed to enhance mental and physical well-being and was optional for pupils.
Meanwhile, Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty vehemently defended the inclusion of Zumba dance in schools, claiming that opposing such activities would introduce poison into society that is more lethal than narcotics.
Responding to the criticism, Minister Sivankutty stated, “No one has asked children to wear minimum clothing. Children are dressed in school uniforms and executing this.” CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby also supported the Kerala government’s proposal to promote Zumba in schools, calling the criticism “absolutely untrue.”
