Going old school: Kerala classrooms authorised to use firewood amid LPG crisis

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: To prevent disruptions to the crucial midday meal scheme, the Additional Director of General Education has granted temporary permission for schools across Kerala to use firewood for cooking.

This decision is a direct response to a statewide shortage of cooking gas, which has impacted distribution agencies and threatened the daily meal service for thousands of students. While schools have previously operated under strict directives prohibiting the use of firewood, the current fuel supply constraints have necessitated this emergency relaxation.

The move followed a recent online meeting between the Additional Director of General Education and noon feeding supervisors, aimed at finding immediate solutions to ensure student nutrition remains unaffected.

Key guidelines for implementation:

• Temporary Measure: Firewood is permitted only in schools where cooking gas is currently unavailable.
• Strict Resumption: Schools must revert to using gas immediately once their local supply is restored.
• Direct Coordination: Noon meal officers have been tasked with conveying these instructions to school authorities without delay to ensure compliance and continuity.

The education department is working to manage the situation, ensuring that the vital nutritional program continues to reach students despite ongoing regional fuel supply challenges.