School uniform made mandatory from December 13

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Education Minister V Sivankutty said in a press conference that from December 13 uniforms have been made compulsory for students up to class 10. The decision to make the uniform compulsory came a month after the school reopened.

The school reopening was delayed due to Covid, but the distribution of uniforms was completed in June itself. 38.02 lakh metres of cloth was distributed. The handloom cloth was provided to students in classes one to seven in government schools and one to four in aided schools. A total of 9.39 lakh students received uniforms. A student is given a pair. The handloom department had produced 42 lakh metres of cloth as per the directions of the education department. Out of this 38.02 lakh metres was distributed. The handloom department produces more than 10 percent of the requirement. For the academic year 2022-23, 46.50 lakh meters of handloom will be produced for uniforms.

72 more plus one batches

The minister said 72 temporary batches were allotted for those who did not get admission in Plus One. The batches allotted were Science-1, Humanities-61 and Commerce-10. Applications will be invited for admission. Gazette teachers will be assigned to temporary batches. An additional four teachers are required for a batch. Schools for students with disabilities will open on December 8. Their hostels will also fucntion. The bus fare for students will be discussed and decided, the minister said.