Stray dogs, weak building threaten children's safety as Kollam school prepares to mark 100 years

Kollam: Panayam North Government LP School, founded by K.G. Umman Vaidyan (Kannankara Vaidyan), is poised to celebrate its centenary. The school, initially offering classes from 1 to 5, was later handed over to the government. Today, it serves around 100 students, spanning pre-primary to standard four, with seven teachers on staff.

Since 1981, the school has faced numerous infrastructural challenges. That year, it was granted permission to open a government model pre-primary school. In 2007, during M.A. Baby's tenure as education minister, a new building was constructed. However, the older buildings have deteriorated over time. One is so dilapidated that plastic sheets are used to prevent rainwater from seeping in, while another building has not received a fitness certificate. Local residents are calling for the demolition of the older structures and the construction of a new building in time for the school’s centenary celebrations.

Safety concerns and boundary wall issues

In addition to the outdated buildings, a recent borewell installation on the school grounds, intended for public use, has raised safety concerns. Although the borewell was covered after posing a threat to the children, part of the school’s boundary wall was demolished to facilitate its installation. Months later, the wall has yet to be rebuilt, leaving the school vulnerable to stray dogs, especially during lunch hours. Locals have called for at least a temporary wall to be constructed.

Panchayat's assurances for centenary celebrations

Panayam panchayat president Dr. K. Rajasekharan assured that efforts are underway to demolish the old buildings and build a new structure as part of the centenary celebrations. He added that the occasion would be marked with grand events.