Thiruvananthapuram: In the past seven years, about 10 lakh children have returned to public schools in Kerala, informed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan while speaking at the state-level inauguration of the Praveshanolsavam event at Malayinkeezhu Higher Secondary School on Thursday. 

Vijayan stated that in 2016, approximately five lakh children had discontinued attending public schools. However, over the past seven years, around ten lakh children have enrolled in schools. He attributed this positive shift to a significant overhaul of the educational system, which encompassed infrastructure development and the renovation of long-standing classrooms. These improvements played a crucial role in altering the public's perception of public educational institutions.

The Chief Minister stated that 'smart schools' replaced schools with broken benches and leaking ceilings.

"There was a time in Kerala when students had to rely on photocopies of textbooks due to the dilapidated conditions of schools and other inconveniences, which deterred them from attending public schools. However, today, schools in the state have reopened with a renewed focus on providing students with essential learning conditions, including basic facilities, textbooks, and uniforms. Even in the midst of the Covid pandemic, online learning has become a reality for all children, including those in tribal areas, facilitated by internet connections."

Vijayan also asked students to stay away from drugs and other illegal substances. 

Meanwhile, after a long summer break, the schools in the state welcomed the new academic year on Thursday . As per the government records, around 3.5 lakh students are joining Class 1 out of 42 lakh students attending the new academic year.