Protests at Idukki school over cancellation of English medium division

Parents and activists of political parties protest at the Government High School at Adimaly, Idukki, on Monday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The Government High School at Adimaly, Idukki, witnessed a massive protest at the Praveshanolsavam on Monday following the Education department’s decision to discontinue the English medium division of Class IX in the school.

According to parents, the school authorities announced on May 30 its decision to discontinue the English division of the school this academic year and asked the parents to shift the students to Malayalam medium or to another school. On Monday, the parents, along with activists of political parties, blockaded the headmistress of the school, demanding the withdrawal of the decision.

From tribal settlements

The parents said the sudden move would seriously affect the students’ higher studies. “Many students are from tribal settlements and have studied till Class VIII in English medium,” a parent said. The protesters alleged that during the protest, a teacher said that the students in the school were not proficient enough in the language to continue their education in English medium.

The Deputy Director of Education (DDE), Idukki district, Geetha P.C., said she had directed the teachers in the school to ensure that the nine English medium students continue their studies. “The teacher-student ratio till Class VIII is 1:36 and we could allot three divisions. However, the student-teacher ratio in Classes IX and X remains fixed at 1:45. The present student strength of the school is 78, and we cannot allot a third division,” said the official.

Published - June 02, 2025 09:20 pm IST