Despite substantial government investment in school infrastructure over the years, a concerning 99 schools across Kerala still operate without their own dedicated buildings. This persistent issue highlights the ongoing challenges in providing every student with a stable learning environment.
A significant portion of these are government-run institutions. Data compiled by district reveals that this issue affects nearly every region in the state, with schools lacking proper facilities found in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod.
Malappuram district records the highest number of schools without their own premises, with 33 institutions affected. Kollam has the fewest, with just one, while Kannur faces a considerable challenge with 21 such schools.
Responding to queries from MLAs N.A. Nellikunnu, P.K. Basheer, KPA Majeed, and M.K. Muneer in the Assembly, General Education Minister V. Sivankutty assured that fitness certificates for schools operating in rented spaces are reviewed annually during staff allocation. He also stated that efforts are being made to acquire permanent properties for schools currently in rented accommodations.
Furthermore, Minister Sivankutty highlighted that these schools have received essential IT equipment through the government’s ‘High-tech School’ and ‘High-tech Lab’ initiatives, aiming to provide modern learning tools.
The Economic Review 2024 indicates a slight increase in government schools operating from rented buildings, rising from 98 to 103 within a year, underscoring the ongoing challenge.
Beyond the issue of lacking their own buildings, Kerala faces an even larger problem: a staggering 1,157 schools have structures deemed unsafe by the Local Self-government department, requiring demolition. The bulk of these dilapidated buildings also belong to government schools.
Kollam district leads this grim count with 143 unsafe school buildings, followed closely by Alappuzha (134) and Thiruvananthapuram (120).
In response to MLA C.R. Mahesh, Minister Sivankutty emphasized the government’s serious approach to this critical issue. He explained that new school buildings are being constructed using ‘Plan funds’ and through projects supported by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), with maintenance handled via other available funds.
Crucially, all schools are mandated to secure a fitness certificate for their premises from the respective local body before reopening for a new academic year in June.
Strict guidelines clearly state that no school should commence classes without this essential safety certification.
To reinforce this, the Director of General Education issued a circular on May 13, reiterating the importance of school building fitness as part of annual reopening preparations, with student safety as the paramount concern.
Even schools operating in rented premises or those undergoing construction are required to obtain fitness certificates. Additionally, clear instructions were issued to safely barricade all construction areas within school grounds to prevent accidents.
A joint meeting involving Minister Sivankutty and Local Self-government Minister M.B. Rajesh concluded with a firm decision: all hazardous structures on school campuses must be dismantled before the academic year begins.
Under disaster management regulations, District Collectors are empowered to issue directives for such demolitions, which will then be carried out by local self-government institutions.