Malappuram: A government lower primary school in Malappuram has become the first in India to feature a fully air-conditioned building, as the municipality completes the state-of-the-art facility.

According to municipal officials, the new facility houses eight classrooms across three floors, a computer lab, a library, a staff room, and a room for the head teacher, all fully air-conditioned. Students will also benefit from modern FRP benches and desks, replacing the traditional wooden furniture.

Each floor of the school includes purified water kiosks, while all classrooms are equipped with digital screens and an integrated sound system. The school also offers special shoe racks for students, a solar power system, modern furniture, a wooden floor, and a protective perimeter wall.

The previous school building, nearly 100 years old, had fallen into severe disrepair, leading the Education Department to restrict access earlier.

The new building was developed by the municipality under the guidance of Municipal Chairman Mujeeb Kaderi and ward councillor C K Najia Shihar, with land purchased directly for the project. The total cost of operation is approximately ₹5 crore.

MLA P Ubaidullah contributed ₹50 lakh from the Asset Development Fund. The inauguration is scheduled for Sunday at 4 pm, to be conducted by MP E T Muhammed Basheer. A cultural procession and an evening programme will accompany the ceremony.