Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government on Sunday strongly condemned reports that certain private school managements had imposed restrictions on Christmas celebrations and refunded money collected from students for the event, warning that educational institutions would not be allowed to become 'communal laboratories'.

Describing such actions as unprecedented in a state with a deep-rooted secular ethos, General Education Minister V Sivankutty said Kerala would not permit 'North Indian models' that seek to divide people on religious or ideological lines to be introduced into its schools.

“Schools are spaces where children learn and grow together, cutting across caste and religion, and any attempt to sow divisive ideas among students is unacceptable,” Sivankutty said.

He noted that festivals such as Onam, Christmas and Eid have traditionally been celebrated collectively in Kerala’s schools, fostering values of mutual respect, harmony and coexistence.

The minister termed the decision by some private schools to cancel Christmas celebrations after collecting funds, and subsequently refunding the money, as 'cruel', saying it amounted to hurting children emotionally.

Emphasising that all schools, whether aided or unaided, are bound by the Constitution of India and prevailing education laws, Sivankutty said institutions have a responsibility to uphold secular and democratic values.

Warning of strict action, he said schools would not be permitted to function as platforms for narrow political or communal interests. “Imposing restrictions selectively on the celebrations of any one community amounts to discrimination and will not be tolerated,” he added.

The minister also said instructions had been issued to officials to conduct an urgent inquiry into the matter and submit a report.

Additionally, Sivankutty said complaints had been received from parents and students about compulsory special classes being conducted during the Christmas vacation in some schools, reiterating that such classes should not be held during holidays.

PTI