Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala General Education Minister V. Sivankutty has announced strict norms to improve school safety across the state in the wake of tragic death of Midhun, a student who was electrocuted at Thevalakkara Boys School in Kollam.

Calling the incident a result of “unforgivable negligence,” the minister declared that Midhun was “Kerala’s son” and added he was a child the entire state failed to protect.

 “His loss is not just a personal tragedy, it is a collective wound,” Sivankutty said during a press briefing.

The government’s preliminary inquiry uncovered serious lapses in the school’s infrastructure maintenance and administrative oversight. The school manager, Thulaseedharan Pilla’s, explanation was found to be completely unsatisfactory.

In a strong response, the government has thrown out the manager from his post and dissolved the entire school management, exercising its powers under the Kerala Education Act. The administration of the school has now been temporarily taken over by the Kollam District Education Officer (DEO).

Sivankutty also outlined a series of reforms aimed at strengthening safety protocols in schools. A statewide safety audit of all government and aided schools has been ordered, with a particular focus on infrastructure risks. Every school will be required to establish a safety cell comprising teachers, parents, and student representatives to monitor conditions and report any hazards. In addition, a public complaint portal will be launched, enabling students, parents, and the general public to directly report safety issues to the Education Department.