Not a single child should be excluded from study tour just because there is no money: Minister V Sivankutty

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister V Sivankutty has directed that not a single child should be excluded from the study tour due to lack of money. The minister announced this in a press release. The minister has tasked the director of the general education department to submit a report within a week on the steps taken to immediately implement the instructions regarding study tours and individual celebrations in schools.

The situation now is such that school trips are being turned into excursions. Moreover, in some schools, a huge amount of money is charged for this. This causes mental distress in students from economically weaker sections who are unable to afford it. Therefore, study trips should be arranged in a way that is accessible to all children, the minister directed. The travel expenses of teachers and PTA members accompanying the study tour shall be borne by the concerned PTA committees or staff management committees.

Individual celebrations such as birthdays of employees and students are organized in schools. Children are forced to give gifts on these events. A tendency to differentiate children who do not bring gifts has also been noticed. Minister V Sivankutty directed the school authorities to take strict action to avoid such celebrations which create a financial burden.