CPI(M) Lok Sabha member M.B. Rajesh and Congress MLA V.T. Balram created a stir in social media on Thursday by informing the public about admitting their children in government schools.
The two young leaders from Palakkad took the Facebook route on school reopening day to declare their commitment to public education.
The posts have turned viral, with viewers appreciating their comments.
In his post, Mr. Rajesh said he had admitted his two daughters in government schools instead of Kendriya Vidyalaya that did not teach Malayalam. MPs have special quota in Kendriya Vidyalayas for their children.
While his elder daughter Niranjana joined standard VIII at Government Moyan’s Model Girls Higher Secondary School, the younger daughter Priyadatta joined Class I at East Yakkara Government LP School.
He stated that he marked as ‘Not applicable’ the columns that asked for religion and caste of the children.
The MP said it was his belief in the standard of education in public schools and his hope in the government’s efforts to energise and protect public education that prompted his decision.
He also recalled his days as a student activist working for the cause of public education.
Mr. Balaram, who admitted his son Advaith Manav at Government Lower Primary School at Areekkad in his Thrithala Assembly constituency, said he kept the column of religion and caste blank.
“As an MLA, I am giving priority to enhance the quality of education in government schools. I am also spending most of my local area development funds to enhance infrastructure in government schools. My son will get quality education in the government school along with the other children in the neighbourhood,” he said.
T.V. Rajesh, MLA, admitted his son Aabel to the pre-primary class in an aided school where he himself did his lower primary school education.
Vilayankode St. Mary’s ALP School, established by the late Congress worker and freedom fighter Chathutti Nair and later transferred to Christian missionaries, is the local school where his elder daughter Diya is also studying, now in Class IV.
“People’s representatives and public servants cannot preach about the urgency of protecting public education if their children are not sent to aided and government schools,” he said, adding that such institutions have to be protected and strengthened to promote secular thinking and healthy social life.
