Central schools in Kerala introduce Malayalam studies; Parents shocked by high fees

Karivellur (Kannur): Parents and students in Kerala's central schools are expressing shock and disappointment over the high fees required to study Malayalam, despite long-standing demands for the language to be taught in these institutions. The fee structure, introduced by the Malayalam Mission, has raised concerns, with many questioning the affordability of the courses. 

The fees for the various courses offered are as follows: Rs 1,850 for the two-year 'Kanikonna' course for children aged six and above, Rs 2,350 for the two-year 'Sooryakanthi' course, Rs 2,850 for the three-year 'Aambal' course, and Rs 5,100 for the 'Neelakurinji' course. These amounts must be paid in full at the time of registration, with 75 percent of the fee allocated to course expenses. Additionally, central schools are responsible for appointing and paying teachers to conduct the Malayalam language classes. Upon completion of 10 years of study, the Malayalam Mission will issue students a 10th standard language equivalency certificate.

This initiative comes after students and parents submitted an application to the Chief Minister, demanding the inclusion of Malayalam in the curriculum of central schools, a project that was ultimately entrusted to the Malayalam Mission.

There are approximately 50,000 students enrolled across 51 central schools in the state, with 70–80 percent of them being Malayalis. Although learning Malayalam is not mandatory, a significant number of children have registered for various courses offered by the Malayalam Mission.

The Malayalam Mission operates under the Department of Cultural Affairs and is committed to promoting the Malayalam language and culture. Notably, the organisation provides free Malayalam language instruction to 55,000 Malayalees, both in India and abroad. Given this, parents argue that it is not right to charge high fees to students in Kerala when such exemplary activities are being carried out. 

According to the Malayalam Mission, the fees charged to students in central schools cover only the costs associated with running the courses. This is the course fees for the second and third years. While the organisation conducts free courses outside Kerala for students without access to Malayalam education, this is not the case within the state. Books, exams, online classes, tutorials, and exams can cost a lot, says Murukan Kattakkada, Director of the Malayalam Mission.