Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty has announced a statewide emergency safety audit across all schools from July 25 to 31. The audit will involve direct inspections by officials, with oversight from a dedicated vigilance team from the Education Department.
A high-level review meeting will be held at Shikshak Sadan, Thiruvananthapuram, on July 23 at 9:30 AM, bringing together senior education officials and district-level officers. The meeting will evaluate the implementation of over 40 safety guidelines issued in a May 13 circular, which include strict protocols on electrical safety, such as a ban on power lines running over school buildings.
The move follows the electrocution death of Mithun, a student at Thevalakkara Boys High School in Kollam. Responding to public outcry, the minister clarified that the blame is not being placed solely on the headmaster—notices have also been issued to the Assistant Education Officer and school management.
As part of compensation, the school’s management has agreed to provide ₹10 lakh to Mithun’s family, but the minister called the amount “insufficient” given their dire circumstances. He urged that a job be provided to one of Mithun’s parents to offer long-term support.
Describing the family’s home as a makeshift shelter hidden behind a flex board, Minister Sivankutty said the state, along with the Scouts and Guides, will construct a new home worth up to ₹20 lakh for the family. Preparations for the housing project have already begun. He also condemned political groups that allegedly attempted to block visits to the grieving family’s home.
A follow-up meeting is scheduled for August 12 to assess the progress of the audit. Both aided and unaided schools are under scrutiny, with officials already inspecting unaided institutions—some of which are operating from rented buildings while charging exorbitant fees.
The minister issued a stern warning that such practices will not be tolerated and promised strict action against any official found compromising student safety. He further confirmed that disciplinary measures will be taken against those responsible for the lapses that led to Mithun’s untimely death.
This initiative underscores Kerala’s renewed commitment to student safety, school accountability, and support for families affected by institutional negligence.
