The Supreme Court has ordered the Kerala government to set up primary schools in regions that currently lack basic educational facilities. The court emphasized that access to primary education is a fundamental right and must be ensured for every child in the state.
The bench observed that several pockets in Kerala, despite the state’s strong literacy record, continue to remain underserved due to geographical barriers and infrastructural gaps. The directive comes after petitions highlighted the absence of functional primary schools in certain rural and tribal areas.
The Supreme Court instructed the state to identify all such regions and take immediate steps to establish new schools, deploy teachers, and provide necessary infrastructure. The court also stressed the need for regular monitoring to ensure that the new facilities meet educational standards.
Education experts have welcomed the judgment, noting that it will help bridge longstanding inequalities and ensure that children in remote areas receive the same opportunities as those in urban centres.
The Kerala government is expected to submit a compliance report once the identification and planning process is completed.
