Kollam: As the schools reopen for yet another academic year, the future of over 3,000 students of 12 “unrecognised” schools in Kottarakkara is uncertain. These schools under Veliyam AEO lack recognition as per his RTI reply and the High Court has maintained that the government should take action against them.
“Despite orders from the HC and child rights commission to close down schools lacking recognition, they continue functioning and admit students,” alleged G. Rex, general secretary of Kerala Aided LP and UP School Managers Association.
“The AEO who has been directed to issue an order to shut down these schools failed to take any action.” All these 12 schools are within 2-3 kilometres radius, making Veliyam the sub-district having the highest number of such unauthorised schools.
On a petition filed by K. Santhosh Kumar of Odanavattom, the HC had on May 20 directed the AEO to take appropriate action to close them down. The petitioner had pointed out that several schools were functioning in the area in violation of the Central Act 2009. The government pleader submitted that it was taking all steps to close down violators.
The AEO said these schools were served with notice two times and that further action should be based on directions from the DPI.
