Kerala School Manager Dismissed After Student’s Electrocution

Swift Summary:

• A Class VIII student from Thevalakkara Boys High School, Kollam, died due to electrocution on July 17, 2025.
• Kerala’s Minister for General education, V. Sivankutty, announced that the school’s manager, R.thulasidharan Pillai, was dismissed following an inquiry by the Director of General Education (DGE) which found grave dereliction of duty.
• Earlier actions included the suspension of headmistress Suja S., based on findings from the Kollam assistant Education Officer (AEO).
• The inquiry revealed lapses in ensuring student safety as per Kerala Education Rules and reopening preparations by school management.
• As an interim measure under Section 14 of the Kerala Education Act (1958), District Educational Officer (DEO) has taken over management until a new appointment is made.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The tragic death of a young student underscores critical shortcomings in school safety standards and accountability mechanisms. While dismissing culpable parties appears to align with legal protocols under Kerala Education Rules and Section 14 of the Kerala Education Act, systemic preventive measures may be necesary to ensure student safety across schools statewide. Entrusting administration temporarily to higher authorities like District Educational Officers indicates immediate priority on restoring order but highlights broader administrative failures that necessitated such actions. Moving forward,evaluating infrastructural risks during reopening arrangements could emerge as an essential aspect for preventing similar incidents.

For further details: Read More