Kerala Government’s Important Announcement on Study Tours, Birthday Celebrations

Kerala’s Minister for General Education, V Sivankutty, has issued significant directives to ensure inclusivity in school activities and alleviate financial burdens on students and their families.

Speaking about study tours, Sivankutty emphasised that no child should be excluded due to financial constraints. “It is unacceptable to exclude even a single child from the school from participating in a study trip just because they do not have the money,” he said.

He highlighted concerns over study tours becoming expensive excursions, placing undue pressure on economically disadvantaged students. The minister directed the Department of Public Education to submit a report within a week on measures to address these issues.

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“The current situation is that school trips are being reduced to mere excursions. Moreover, some schools charge a huge amount for this. This is not only difficult for financially backward students, but also causes mental distress for them. Therefore, school trips should be arranged in a way that is accessible to all children,” he added.

To make study tours more inclusive, schools must arrange them in a manner accessible to all students. Additionally, travel expenses for teachers and Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) members accompanying these tours are to be covered by the respective PTA or staff management committees, ensuring that these costs are not passed on to students.

Sivankutty also addressed the growing trend of personal celebrations, such as birthdays of staff and students, in schools. He noted that children were often compelled to bring gifts for such occasions, with those unable to do so facing discrimination. The minister instructed school authorities to prohibit these celebrations to prevent financial strain and social inequality among students.

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“Schools are organising personal celebrations like birthdays of staff and students. Children are forced to give gifts for these events. It has also been noticed that children who do not bring gifts are being singled out. Therefore, school authorities should take strict action to avoid such celebrations that cause financial burden,” the minister said.