What was once a century-old lower primary school, facing imminent closure due to a ‘no fitness’ declaration by the PWD engineering division, has been given a new lease on life by the forward-thinking Malappuram Municipality. This isn’t just a renovation; it’s a complete, historic transformation.
Today, students at GMLP School, Muttippady, Melmuri, are enjoying the comfort of fully air-conditioned classrooms within a brand-new building constructed on newly acquired land. This revitalized institution now boasts state-of-the-art amenities, including modern digital classrooms.
This impressive three-story structure is designed for the future, featuring purified water kiosks on every floor, advanced surveillance cameras for enhanced security, an integrated public address system, and thoughtfully designed, child-friendly fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) benches and desks.
Even the staff room and principal’s office have been upgraded to reflect a sleek, contemporary office aesthetic. Powering this innovative environment are twenty-two two-tonne split air-conditioners, sustainably run by solar panels installed on the rooftop. The school’s vibrant deep yellow and green color scheme was specifically chosen to ignite the imaginations of its young pupils. According to Municipal Chairman Mujeeb Kaderi, this marks a significant milestone as the first fully air-conditioned government primary school in the entire State.
The ambitious project saw the municipality invest a total of ₹5.51 crore for both the land acquisition and the construction. Of this, ₹5.01 crore came directly from municipal funds, complemented by an additional ₹50 lakh contributed from local MLA P. Ubaidulla’s asset development fund.
The grand inauguration of the new school building took place in a celebratory atmosphere on Sunday evening, October 19, with E.T. Mohammed Basheer, MP, performing the honors. Municipal Chairman Mujeeb Kaderi presided over the event, and MLA P. Ubaidulla graced the occasion as the chief guest.
Other dignitaries, including Municipal Vice Chairperson Fousiya Kunhippu, councillors P.K. Sakeer Hussain, Pari Abdul Majeed, Mariyumma Shareef Konothodi, C.P. Ayshabi, and Najiya Shihar, along with Headmistress P. Padmaja, addressed the gathering. Chairman Kaderi emphasized the project’s broader impact, stating, “We embarked on this school transformation with a unique and bold vision, aiming not just to elevate infrastructure and educational standards, but also to establish a pioneering model for others to follow.”