Thiruvananthapuram: The General Education Department on Friday asked the management of Thevalakkara Boys’ High School to suspend its headmistress, S Suja, following the electrocution death of a 13-year-old student here. The action is based on a recommendation from the Director of General Education (DGE). The department has also announced an emergency assistance of ₹3 lakh for the student’s family from its Personal Deposits account, Education Minister V Sivankutty said at a press conference on Thursday.
The minister expressed deep sorrow over the death of Mithun, a Class 8 student, and confirmed that strict action would be taken.
“We have lost a son of Kerala. The General Education Department will act with the seriousness this demands. We will do everything within our authority,” said Sivankutty.
He reminded that the DGE had issued a detailed circular on May 13, 2025, ahead of the new academic year, outlining mandatory safety protocols for all schools, with student safety as the top priority.
A key directive from the circular reads:
“If power posts, electric lines, stay wires, or transformers without proper fencing are found in a hazardous condition in or around school premises, they must be reported to KSEB immediately, and necessary safety measures must be taken to ensure student safety.”
This circular was sent to all key education officials in the state, including Deputy Directors, DIET Principals, DEOs, AEOs, project coordinators, and school heads. Minister Sivankutty said the May 13 circular clearly reflects the department’s emphasis on safety before reopening schools.
“Despite these clear instructions, the failure to act has cost a young life. The department will ensure accountability,” he said.
Some of the key actions recommended in the DGE report following the incident is as follows:
- Immediate explanation to be sought from the Assistant Educational Officer (AEO) in charge at the time. (Kollam AEO Antony Peter was holding additional charge as DEO.)
- Show-cause notice to be issued to the school management for inaction.
- The management must respond within three days with a written explanation.
- The school’s headmistress, S Suja, will be suspended immediately.
- The management should consider providing financial aid to the student’s family.
- The department may initiate proceedings against the school management under KER Chapter 3, Rule 7.
- A new house will be built for Mithun’s family through the Scouts and Guides.
- Mithun’s younger sibling will receive free education up to Class 12, including waiver of exam fees. A separate Government Order will be issued.
- An emergency grant of ₹3 lakh will be disbursed to the family from the department’s PD account.
- The school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) will be reconstituted.
- The Minister for Local Self-Governments will be informed to review the role of the local body concerned.