Zumba in schools: Government will not backout, says Sivankutty

Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty has said that the government will go ahead with the decision to provide Zumba classes in schools at all costs. Responding to the recent allegations made by some Muslim outfits that they were against the introduction of Zumba in schools on grounds that it was against their religious beliefs and culture, the minister said that the government was open to talks. “No one has asked the children to wear skimpy clothes while performing Zumba. They will be wearing their school uniforms. And participating in the educational activities prescribed by the government is mandatory. The guardians have no choice in the matter”, the minister told reporters here on Saturday.

The activities such as Zumba, aerobics and Yoga are being introduced in schools as part of the anti-drug campaign. The opposition coming out now could be more harmful than drugs. Instead of improving the education sector, it will only nurture communalism and separatism, the minister added.

He said that sports persons from different countries take part in sports events such as Olympics in the prescribed dress code. What is happening in the schools is light exercise though and the children will be wearing their uniforms, he added.

Mr. Sivankutty reminded that the progressive organisations in the country had stood with the Muslim community during the issues such as the ‘Hijab row’, as they believed in democratic values. But the stand taken by some organisations against Zumba at present will turn out in support of majority communalism. He then explained the benefits of children engaging in physical activities such as sports and dance. He said it would be beneficial to them mentally and physically and aid in their personality development.

The Minister also spoke on some recent allegations against the education department. Responding to a recent article in a Malayalam daily that said that there were middlemen in the department who ensured permanent appointment of differently abled persons for a price, Mr. Sivankutty said that the Director of General Education has been entrusted with the task of conducting an inquiry on the allegation. “However, since it is a false allegation, the government will take legal action against those who made it”, he added.

He also spoke on the recent casual observation of the Kerala High Court of corruption in the department. The Minister said that it was far-fetched and that the department was ready to take action if any one had complaints and could furnish proof.