Thiruvananthapuram: Allegations have emerged that the gate of a government school here is being relocated to facilitate a bar licence. The accusation surfaced following the rapid relocation of the gate at Government SMV School in Thiruvananthapuram. The new gate is being constructed immediately behind the main entrance.

On the opposite side of the school, a bar hotel is under construction. The previous building, which housed a beer parlour, is being converted into a three-star bar. With these developments, former students of the school and other supporters have raised their voices in protest.
 

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The under construction bar opposite to SMV School

A bar licence can only be granted if there is a 200-metre distance from the school entrance. Currently, the distance between the school’s main gate and the bar is far less than the required limit. However, as the bar is on the opposite side of the road, the distance is being measured from the Ayroor Bridge or the Ayurvedic Junction, but even then, it does not reach the 200-metre requirement. In this context, the construction to move the school gate further inward is progressing swiftly.

Former students alleged that the gate’s inward relocation, while retaining the existing wall, raises suspicions. There are also claims that intermediaries representing the bar owners had approached the school authorities, offering assistance if the gate were moved. 

Vinod Kumar, the president of the school’s alumni association, stated that they have filed complaints with public representatives. The Mayor was unavailable, but they plan to meet the MLA. Kumar added that officials seem to be behind this move.

For the past two days, large vehicles have been denied entry into the school premises, and construction work is ongoing at a rapid pace. 

Meanwhile, the Corporation claimed that the gate relocation is part of a new master plan recommending road development. However, Kumar pointed out that actions to move the gate had commenced even before the plan was finalised.