Kerala govt. taking steps to prevent improper interference in State School Arts Festival: Sivankutty

State School Arts Festival 63rd edition updates on judging, security, transportation, accommodation, and food arrangements by Education Minister Sivankutty.

The State government is taking steps to ensure that there are no attempts to improperly interfere in the conduct of the 63rd State School Arts Festival, including in the judging of the competitions, General Education Minister V. Sivankutty said here on Sunday. Addressing a press conference, he said that the judges have been selected with utmost care. The intelligence and vigilance wing will ensure that there are no malpractices.

The Minister said that teachers should ensure that children who excel artistically should not be discriminated against in any way because they belong to economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Teachers should also ensure that there is no overspending for competing in the arts festival. Arrangements have been made to ensure that the events are started and completed as per the schedule. However, finishing the drama competitions on time continues to be a challenge.

Issues related to traffic control and parking have been addressed, he said. As many as 70 buses are plying from venue to venue to transport the participants and others. The KSRTC has provided 10 buses, while 60 buses are from various schools. All the 25 venues are connected by the bus service. Bus service is also being provided to the accommodation centres for students who have come from other districts. Accommodation is currently arranged in 27 schools in the city.

Over the past two days, over 47,000 people have had food from the food court at the Putharikkandam Maidan, said Mr. Sivankutty.