Closing schools without playgrounds can be challenging; govt to file appeal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government is planning to file an appeal against the High Court's order that schools without playgrounds should be shut down. Speaking to Kerala Kaumudi, Education Minister V Sivankutty said that it is not practical to close the schools due to the lack of playgrounds.

"We have decided to file an appeal against the court order. The government will convince the court of the impracticability of the matter. Schools dating back to the formation of Kerala are there in the state. Can well-functioning schools be closed for lack of playgrounds? No school without a playground has been sanctioned ever since this government came to power," the minister said.

The High Court had directed the government to issue guidelines within four months regarding the required playground area and facilities for each category of school. It said that the government should check whether all schools are following the guidelines. In case of non-compliance, sufficient time should be given to hear the part of the schools. The court also directed the government to shut down the schools without playgrounds if necessary. The court, which pointed out that playgrounds are an integral part of children's learning environment, added that playgrounds bring happiness to children and develop their physical and mental abilities.

Schools in the state with playgrounds

Total government schools – 4747, schools with playgrounds – 2644 (55.70 percent)

Aided schools - 7175, schools with playgrounds - 5397 (77.22 percent)