Kerala govt issues circular restricting Onam fete in schools, revokes it later

Thiruvananthapuram: In a U-turn by Kerala state government, a circular issued by it restricting Onam celebrations in higher secondary schools has been withdrawn. The circular was withdrawn hours after it was issued on Friday followed intervention by the state education minister in the issue.

The circular issued by the higher secondary school director earlier on Friday had warned against festivities during school hours and ruled against spending huge amounts of money on celebration. The directive had also instructed the students to wear school uniform on the day of the festival.

"Onam celebration should not stand against the discipline. There were reports of incidents which dented the healthy atmosphere in schools during celebration of such festivals. It was in this circumstance that such an order was being issued," the circular had stated.

Festivals should be celebrated in such a manner that it does not affect exams, classes, curricular or extra-curricular activities in the school, the circular said.

"Students should wear school uniforms during such occasions. If art programs are to staged wearing different costumes, a prior permission should be sought,” the circular had instructed.

A circular issued recently by the government restricting Onam celebration in government offices had sparked a row in the state.