Subdued celebrations at Edamalakuddy tribal school

Idukki: While the new academic year was ushered in with fervour at schools across Kerala, the festivities at the govt tribal lower primary school in Edamalakkudy, Idukki, were subdued.

For one, the teacher appointed to conduct the Praveshanolsavam celebrations failed to reach the school. As a result, the event was conducted by two temporary teachers whose tenure had ended in March. The incident comes at a time when Class I admissions at the govt tribal LP school are already facing a major crisis.

Unlike other regions where parents bring their children to school, teachers here must trek through forests and hills to various tribal settlements to identify eligible students. While 16 children were admitted to Class I last year, only nine have been identified so far this year. Many of these children lack essential documents such as Aadhaar cards, birth certificates and caste certificates.

At the school functioning in Societykudy, some children have Aadhaar cards but no birth certificates, while others have both but lack caste certificates. Since admissions are processed online, the absence of documents has become a serious challenge. Although temporary admissions have been granted, failure to upload student details to the official portal could delay govt benefits and grants meant for the children. Among the 54 students currently studying from classes I to IV, only 28 possess Aadhaar cards. Besides, only nine students have bank accounts.

To obtain the necessary documents, residents must travel from Edamalakkudy to Munnar. The difficult and expensive journey through forest terrain creates a significant burden for families. Frustration over delays in receiving benefits and the practical difficulties involved have made many parents reluctant to send their children to school.

Moreover, the situation has worsened since the discontinuation of tribal mentors programme last year. These mentors previously helped escort children safely from remote settlements to school and ensured their safety along routes frequented by wild animals. Without them, parents who leave for work are increasingly concerned about sending their children to school.

Officials believe the problems in Edamalakkudy cannot be resolved by the school authorities alone. There are growing concerns that Class I admissions may remain minimal this year unless various govt departments jointly conduct special camps on a war footing to provide the required documents.

However, Devikulam sub collector Arya V M said that children cannot be denied school admission due to the absence of certain documents. Such documents are only required later to receive reservation-related benefits and other govt assistance.

She added that special camps titled ‘Peruma’ are being organized at various locations in Edamalakkudy to help residents obtain the necessary documents.

The govt LP school in Edamalakkudy had recently faced a severe crisis as it lacked a headmaster, temporary teachers and other staff, making it impossible to reopen the school or conduct admission activities. Following public concern, a senior teacher from the govt school at Chembakathozhu was assigned the additional charge of headmaster and posted to Edamalakkudy two days earlier.

As the teacher did not arrive, the former temporary teachers present at the location organized the admission festival on Monday.

Meanwhile, Munnar sub district assistant educational officer (AEO) C Saravanan stated that an explanation would be sought from the teacher for failing to comply with the govt order and that disciplinary action could be taken if necessary.