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Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government on Sunday strongly condemned reports that some private school managements banned Christmas celebrations and returned the money collected from students for the event.
The government also warned that schools would not be allowed to turn into “communal laboratories”.
It said such actions are unheard of in a state like Kerala, which has a high level of democratic consciousness and a long-standing secular tradition.
“Nobody will be allowed to introduce North Indian models that divide people on the basis of religion or belief in educational institutions of Kerala,” state General Education Minister V Sivankutty told reporters here.
He said schools are places where children learn and grow together irrespective of caste and religion and any attempt to sow divisive ideas among students is unacceptable.
Festivals like Onam, Christmas and Eid are traditionally celebrated together in schools in the state, he said, helping children learn mutual respect, love and coexistence.
The decision by some private school managements to cancel the functions and then refund them after collecting money was “cruel” and tantamount to hurting children.
Sivankutty further said, all schools, whether aided or unaided, are bound by the Constitution of India, education rules and laws of the country and have the responsibility to uphold the values of secularism.
Warning of strict action against such practices, the minister said schools will not be allowed to function as places of fulfillment of narrow political or communal interests.
“Imposing selective restrictions on gatherings of any one community amounts to discrimination and will not be tolerated,” he said.
Sivankutty also affirmed that any move that undermines the dignity and tradition of Kerala’s public education sector will not be allowed.
The minister further said that officials have been directed to immediately investigate the matter and submit a report.
The General Education Minister also said that complaints have been received from students and parents regarding holding of mandatory special classes in some schools during the upcoming Christmas holidays. He said such classes should not be conducted during holidays.
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without any modifications to the text.
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