THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite explicit directives from the High Court and the government prohibiting the use of government school auditoriums and buildings for non-educational purposes, political parties persist in encroaching and organizing functions.

This encroachment extends to service organizations and clubs holding their events in schools, leading to cluttered classrooms that children and teachers must clean up the following day. This issue is more prevalent in rural areas, where abuse of school facilities is rampant.

School principals find themselves powerless against the pressure exerted by politically influential Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and other groups. When principals attempt to cite government orders, the organizers deny the existence of such directives.

The High Court's order in April 2000 mandated schools to be solely used for educational purposes, followed by a government order in June of the same year. Additionally, in December 2016, the Director of Public Education issued a circular reinforcing this directive. Minister V. Shivankutty reiterated this ban in 2022 during an Assembly session when asked by VK Prashanth MLA whether school grounds could be used for morning walks for adults.

However, even Gram Panchayats, responsible for school management, conduct public programs within school premises, including distributing food. Organizers prefer schools for events to save on venue rental costs utilizing ample grounds for parking vehicles.

This misuse of school facilities persists despite multiple orders and clarifications emphasizing the exclusive educational use of these premises.