The public protest to protect the Aided Upper Primary School at Malapparamba completed 28 days on Friday even as the State government has not been able to file an appeal with the Kerala High Court against the closure order.
Chairman of the Janakeeya Prathirodha Samithi for the school’s protection Bhasi Malapparamba said the action was being delayed due to legal technicalities even though the Chief Minister had issued an order to file the appeal. “The Chief Secretary has said that a Cabinet approval is necessary and hence the delay,” he said.
Gathering support
It was on April 11 that the Samithi began the protest against the closure notice issued by the Director of Public Instruction (DPI), following a court order for the same. Since then, it has garnered support from all sections of the society, irrespective of political affiliations. They pointed out that the school was the only one within a 2-km radius and that if closed down, it would be the end of education for most students who could not afford private schools. In addition, there are a few special students at the school who are unable to travel farther for their studies.
The Samithi has decided to continue the protest until the DPI revokes the order. “This is not about one single school. If we do not protect this school, it will be a precedent for all those managements trying to find a loophole to close down their schools. Thus, within a few years, thousands of small schools will close down in the State, and all that we have achieved in terms of primary education will be lost,” said R.K. Iravil, a teacher at the school and a campaigner for the cause.
The management has been making attempts to close the school down for a long time and nearly succeeded in 2014 when they razed the building down. But the public stood firmly for the school and collected Rs.20 lakh to construct new buildings. The management went to court once again and gained a favourable order.
Even as the closure notice exists and the protest goes on, 23 new students have sought admission here for the new academic year.
