Special schools on the warpath once again

Thiruvananthapuram: When the schools reopen on Thursday, the special schools managements will hold a token strike in protest against the state government's delay in implementing their long-standing demands. Though the finance department had sanctioned Rs 11 crore to the special schools, it has not yet been released. The management association has blamed the social justice department for the delay.

After the intervention of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the grading (A, B & C) system was implemented among the 300- plus special schools. Accordingly, Rs 11 crore was sanctioned for the special schools for three months from January. But an office-bearer of the Association for Intellectually Disabled (AID) alleged that administrative sanction was not yet provided.

"There is an ego clash between the officials of social justice and education departments. Hence, the funds don't reach us and we will observe a token strike on Thursday across the state in all special schools," he said.

They will launch an indefinite strike before the secretariat if the government does not meet their demands. However, Biju Prabhakar, special secretary, social justice department, denied the allegations and said that as per the directive of the CM, a high-level meeting of the secretaries of education and social justice departments and chaired by the chief secretary will be held on June 17 to take further action.

"Special schools have been trying to improve the quality of life of the children. The education department sanctioned Rs 11 crore and as per the CM's directive, the account head has to be changed to social justice department," said Biju Prabhakar.

A final decision will be taken at the meeting. The funds could not be transferred due to the election code of conduct, he said.