Kerala High Court came down heavily on the State government for making it mandatory for school kids to participate in the Nava Kerala Sadas. The criticism is close on the heels of the Government of Kerala’s (GoK) submission before the Court that the Malappuram Deputy Director of Education’s (DDE) directive was withdrawn.
The Court strongly expressed its displeasure and stated that such an order undermines the dignity of the children. Court added that any action akin to exploitation of children is unacceptable. The court expressed its surprise at the issuance of the (Malappuram) DDE’s order.
Court questioned the motive behind such directives. It wondered whom the officials tried to appease with such moves. In addition to that, the Court underlined the need to examine the circumstances which led to the issuance of the order by the DDE. The High Court has officially closed the proceedings related to the petition challenging the directive of the DDE. The Court has also concluded the proceedings of the petitions related to the order to release the school buses for the Nava Kerala Sadas.
Reports from Malappuram reveal a troubling situation. Despite the court’s directive, children from Thuyyam Government Lower Primary School in Edappal are allegedly being paraded in the street under the scorching sun between 1 pm and 2 pm, to greet the ‘Cabinet on the Wheels.’
The court, led by Justice Devan Ramachandran, had explicitly ordered that students and buses should not be sent for the Sadas and reiterated that students should not be involved in non-academic programs. However, disturbing visuals broadcast by TV channels show children in red shirts being made to participate in this seemingly premeditated programme. Teachers are reportedly instructing the children to wave their hands during this procession.
Malappuram and Perumbavoor districts in Kerala have become hotbeds of controversy as reports highlight troubling directives linked to the Nava Kerala Sadas, causing widespread concern.
ICDS Supervisor Seeks Explanation from Anganwadi Workers
In Malappuram, an Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) supervisor reportedly demanded explanations from Anganwadi workers for their non-participation in the proclamation march of Nava Kerala Sadas. This move has sparked questions about potential coercion and the ethical implications of compelling workers to participate against their will.
Allegations of Coercion in Perumbavoor Municipality
In Perumbavoor Municipality, Ernakulam district, cleaners and waste collectors have alleged that the Municipal Secretary instructed them to paste posters of Nava Kerala Sadas after their working hours under the threat of job loss. Despite their demanding work schedule from 6 am to 1 pm, these workers claim they are forced into additional tasks. Suggestions for additional remuneration, time off, or permission to paste posters during working hours were reportedly ignored by the secretary.
Notably, the municipality in question is under the governance of the opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), adding a political dimension to the controversy. The Municipal Chairman has strongly criticised the Secretary’s orders, emphasising the physical strain on workers and the need for fair treatment.
Further complicating matters in Perumbavoor, the reception committee chairman has written to the Municipal Secretary, requesting the removal of a portion of the compound wall, a concrete dais, and a flag post from the Perumbavoor Government Boys High School. The reason cited is to facilitate the smooth movement of the luxury bus carrying the state cabinet for Nava Kerala Sadas. The letter includes a promise to rebuild the structures after the programme, raising eyebrows about the seemingly disruptive requests made for the sake of a government event.
These reports collectively raise concerns about the potential misuse of official positions for political purposes and underscore the need for a transparent and ethical approach in organising government programmes.
