Education department to revoke ban on schools that disrupted sports meet

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government will lift the ban on Navamukunda School in Malappuram and Kothamangalam Marbaseil School in Ernakulam, that disrupted the state school sports festival held last year. Minister V Sivankutty clarified that the decision was based on the authorities' letter expressing regret over the untoward incidents that happened during the closing ceremony of the sports festival, and the intervention of the chief minister, speaker, leader of the opposition and other student organizations.

Minister’s words
‘The authorities of Navamukunda School in Malappuram and Kothamangalam Marbaseil School in Ernakulam have written a letter expressing regret over the untoward incidents that occurred during the closing ceremony of the state school sports festival held on model of Olympics from November 8 to 11, 2024 in Ernakulam. It has been stated in the letter that care will be taken to ensure that such incidents do not occur again.

The honorable chief minister intervened in the matter and requested that action be taken to avoid any harmful action against sports students who are to participate in national competitions. In addition, the honorable speaker, the honorable leader of the opposition, the honorable minister of sports, honorable members Antony John, Kurukoli Moideen, advocate Dean Kuriakose MP, and the organizations KSTA, PGTA, DYFI, SFI, and KSU had requested me in writing to take steps that would not affect the future of the children. Based on all this, an order withdrawing the order issued by the director of public education on January 2, 2025, prohibiting participation in the school sports festival to be held in 2025-26, will be issued within a week.

However, the teachers who led this illegal activity mentioned by the inquiry commission have not submitted any written application regarding the lapse they have committed. ‘Based on the findings of the inquiry commission and the application of Nawamukunda School and Marbasel School, the principal secretary has been tasked to investigate the negligence of the teachers. The necessary decision in this regard will be taken based on the report submitted by the Principal Secretary.’