Kerala faces a mounting challenge as a government report reveals that 1,157 schools across the state are unfit to hold classes, raising urgent safety concerns for thousands of students. The figures, released by the Local Self Government Department (LSGD) in response to an Assembly query, expose the scale of infrastructural neglect even as the state touts efforts to modernize school facilities.

Safety first: Districts most at risk

General Education Minister V Sivankutty acknowledged the issue, assuring that the government is taking immediate steps. “While new school buildings are being constructed through plan funds and KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board) projects, separate allocations are also being used for maintenance,” he said in a written reply.

District-wise, Kollam tops the list with 143 unsafe schools, followed by Alappuzha (134) and Thiruvananthapuram (120). Under existing rules, all schools must secure fitness certificates from local authorities before each academic year. The latest numbers highlight an urgent need for faster renovations and rigorous safety checks to protect students.

Zumba in schools sparks cultural debate

While infrastructure challenges loom large, Kerala’s education landscape is also grappling with controversy over the introduction of Zumba dance classes in schools. Launched in July as part of an anti-drug and wellness initiative, the programme aims to promote physical fitness and mental well-being among students.

Supporters, including certified Zumba instructor Roma Mansoor, have welcomed the initiative. “Zumba can help children relax, build confidence, and manage weight while steering them away from harmful habits,” she told ANI.

However, the programme has faced backlash from religious groups and conservative voices. Some critics argue that mixed-gender participation and certain movements are inappropriate for students. TK Ashraf, teacher and General Secretary of the Wisdom Islamic Organisation, publicly refused to participate along with his son. Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama leader Nassar Faizy Koodathai called the sessions “a violation of students’ rights.”

Government defends initiative

Despite the criticism, the Kerala Education Department insists that participation is voluntary and part of a broader wellness campaign. Minister V. Sivankutty defended the move, emphasizing that students perform the exercises in school uniforms and that opposing such activities could inject “poison that is more deadly than drugs” into society. CPI(M) leader MA Baby also dismissed the backlash as “absolutely untrue.”

As Kerala balances urgent school safety reforms with innovative wellness programs, the state finds itself at a crossroads — where protecting students’ physical safety and nurturing their well-being must go hand in hand.