Schools will reopen on June 1st; Amidst delayed CM announcement Chief Secretary convenes crucial meeting

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A high-level meeting was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Dr A Jayathilak to assess the progress of various administrative, infrastructure and disaster management activities in the state. The meeting was held at the secretariat following the delay in deciding the new Chief Minister.

The meeting was attended by the concerned department secretaries, department heads, district collectors and other high-ranking officials.

The meeting reviewed the transition from LPG to PNG, preparations for school opening, census activities, snakebite prevention, monsoon preparations, and national highway development works. The secretaries of the concerned departments provided explanations on these issues.

The Principal Secretary of General Education said that the printing and distribution of textbooks will be completed by May 31. Already 65 per cent of the books have been distributed through Kudumbashree units. It was also informed that the remaining books will be distributed promptly. It was also informed in the meeting that the distribution of school uniforms through the Handloom Department is progressing, and arrangements for aided schools have been completed.

The meeting also discussed the procedure for issuing fitness certificates in connection with the opening of schools on June 1. Currently, the certificate is issued after obtaining permission from the Electrical Inspectorate, Fire and Rescue, Health Department, Forest and Wildlife Department, and Motor Vehicles Department.

Considering the time limit, the Department of General Education proposed to issue a new circular giving priority to mandatory safety standards.

The Chief Secretary directed officials not to compromise on security. He directed that district collectors monitor the preparations of schools for the next two weeks and conduct surprise inspections where necessary. He also directed the Department of General Education to make textbooks and uniforms available promptly.