Schools to open on June 3rd, CM instructs to complete preparations on time

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has emphasized the need for timely preparation for the opening of schools in the state. Speaking at a high-level meeting, he stressed that all necessary work, including ensuring the safety of school premises, repair work and obtaining fitness certificates for school buildings, should be completed before the academic year begins with the entrance festival on June 3.

He instructed that schools should be cleaned, with clean drinking water ensured and unused vehicles and furniture removed or stored properly. School buses and private vehicles used for transportation should be checked for fitness.

Mentor teachers should be appointed to support tribal students and efforts should be made to ensure their attendance. A green school campaign should be conducted and provisions for clothing, books and lunch should be made. Measures to prevent the use and sale of intoxicating substances on school premises were highlighted, with regular inspections by the excise department and police suggested.

The Chief Minister also proposed strengthening awareness and enforcement measures, with revised textbooks addressing substance abuse consequences. Cooperation between children, parents, and teachers is crucial to create drug-free educational institutions. Various events, including a children's parliament on Anti-Narcotics Day, discussion meetings and anti-drug seminars, were planned throughout the year to raise awareness and engage communities.

Finally, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of viewing drug use as a social issue and advocated for a collective effort to combat it. The meeting was attended by ministers V. Sivankutty, R. Bindu, M.B. Rajesh, K. Rajan, P. Rajeev and concerned officers.