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Time of India
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Kerala education minister stands firm on school timings despite religious opposition
PALAKKAD: Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty on Monday hardened his stance against religious and community organisations interfering in the affairs of educational institutions and said school timings across the state would not be decided to suit their convenience. He clarified that neither his department nor he had any role in the school timing adjustments in the state in the current academic year. "There are several religious and community outfits in the state. We cannot fix the timing of our schools and examinations of children as per their convenience," he told reporters here. To justify the new timings of state schools, the minister also cited the examples of school timings of Kendriya Vidyalayas in the state and those in Gulf nations. "We will try to convince everyone about this. A discussion will be held with representatives of school managements on Wednesday," he said. Sivankutty also said as per the rules and procedures of the Right to Education, there should be 220 school working days. According to General Education Department sources, the discussion will be held in the chamber of Sivankutty in Thiruvananthapuram on July 23 afternoon. One representative from each management is expected to attend the meeting, where the minister will outline the reasons behind the government's revision of school timings, they said. Sivankutty recently clarified that school timings cannot be changed to "accommodate a particular community", as the government must consider the interests of lakhs of students. He stated that the decision to extend school hours by 30 minutes was based on the Kerala High Court directive, and anyone aggrieved by it can seek legal remedies. As per the revised schedule, high school students (classes 8 to 10) will spend an additional 15 minutes each in the morning and afternoon on all working days except Fridays to help schools meet the mandated 1,100 instructional hours annually. The minister's clarification comes in the wake of mounting criticism from Muslim organisations, including the Sunni clerical body Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, which contends that the "extended hours will interfere with religious education." Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
NDTV
29-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Despite Protests, Kerala Government Firm On Zumba Dance In Schools
Kozhikode: The Kerala government on Saturday stood firm in its decision to introduce Zumba dance in state schools as part of its anti-drug campaign, saying the opposition to it is "more venomous than narcotic substance". The opposition Congress, however, took a stand that they are not against Zumba, but it is better not to impose such things. Such matters should not lead to controversies as there is a section of people who would take advantage of it, the grand-old party said. Explaining the government's stance over the matter, General Education Minister V Sivankutty said a section of people are deliberately creating issues over the matter and nothing harmful for children is being implemented. "The government is ready to hold talks with those who have misunderstandings in this regard. But, we have not taken any decision to backtrack from the government's present stand," he told reporters. Mr Sivankutty clarified the government's position on Zumba dance, a high-energy fitness programme introduced in schools in Kerala by the General Education Department as part of its anti-drug campaign, facing opposition from certain Muslim groups who argue that it went against moral values. He said there has been opposition from some quarters against the implementation of activities like Zumba, aerobics, and yoga in schools in the state. However, it is important to understand that these activities are being implemented as part of anti-drug awareness. "Such opposition will inject a poison more deadly than drugs in the society. Instead of improving the education sector, it will fuel communalism and sectarianism," Mr Sivankutty said while replying to a question. The school activities only involve light exercises, which children perform in uniforms. Citing the Right To Education (RTE) norms, he said children are required to participate in the learning processes prescribed by the government. "The parent has no choice in the matter. The teacher is obligated to do what the department prescribes as per the conduct rules. No one has asked the children to wear skimpy clothes," the Minister said. He recalled that protests had erupted in many states against dress codes, including the hijab, but progressive movements adopted a lofty democratic and cultural stance. Apparently referring to Muslim outfits who have raised objection to introduction of Zumba in schools, Mr Sivankutty said some movements here are, however, adopting positions in favoUr of majority communalism. "This is tantamount to turning a sheep into a dog. In a society like Kerala where we live in harmony, such positions will only encourage majority communalism," he said. Underscoring the significance of sports in education, he said engaging in sports can help children develop mental and physical fitness, health, and positive thinking. This can have a positive impact on their learning and personality development, he said, adding that therefore, it is essential to promote such healthy activities among children. Physical education is currently included as a compulsory subject in the general education sector in Kerala, the minister said. It is good to regularly engage in long-lasting physical activities, including various types of dance, to improve cardiovascular and respiratory fitness, Mr Sivankutty added, justifying the government decision to go ahead with Zumba dance in schools. While talking to reporters in Ernakulam, Opposition Leader in the Assembly V D Satheesan said there is no need to get into a controversy over Zumba dance. If anyone complains when the government implements such things, the authorities should discuss it with them and resolve it, he said. "There's no need to impose such things. Let those who like it do it and those who don't like it don't. If there is a complaint, the government should be able to discuss it and find a solution," he said. Youth Congress leader and Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil strongly supported the government's decision to introduce Zumba dance in schools and said it is an effort to protect children's health and there is no need to make it a controversy. "During this time of lifestyle diseases, it is good to give children awareness about the need to protect their health from school level," he said. The leaders of the Kerala Students' Union (KSU), the students' wing of the Congress party, and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of the ruling CPI(M), also came in support of the dance form. CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby and state ministers M B Rajesh and R Bindhu also supported the general education department's move. The Zumba programme was introduced in schools following a directive from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who stated that the dance, which combines aerobic movements performed to lively music would help reduce stress among schoolchildren and, in turn, counter the menace of drug abuse among young people. From this academic year, many schools have begun offering Zumba training. However, some Muslim organisations came out against the government's decision.
Hindustan Times
28-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
'Against moral values': Muslims groups oppose Zumba lessons at Kerala schools
The introduction of Zumba, a high-energy fitness programme, to schools in Kerala has sparked uproar from Muslim groups in the state, who say the dance goes "against moral values". (Image for representation) Zumba, a high-energy fitness programme, has been introduced for students in many Kerala schools(Unsplash) Many schools in the southern state have started offering Zumba training with the aim to reduce stress among students, and counter the menace of drug abuse. The development came following a directive from chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. However, some Muslims groups are critical of this initiative, and also want parents to reconsider before letting their children take part in the routine. 'Zumba dance is against moral values,' claimed Abdussamad Pookkottur, state secretary of the Samastha Kerala Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), in a Facebook post. TK Ashraf, general secretary of the Wisdom Islamic Organisation, also opposed the move, saying he enrolled his son into a school to get quality education and "not to learn a culture where boys and girls, wearing minimal clothing, dance together to the rhythm of music.' Ashraf has vowed that as a teacher, he will not be implementing the initiative and prepared to face any action. He also said his son would not participate in the dance routine. 'There may be people who see this as progressive. I am not one of them - I admit I am old-fashioned in this regard,' he added. Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama leader Nassar Faizy Koodathai also said that Zumba requires minimal clothing, urging to "not force vulgarity" upon students. "This is also a violation of the personal freedom and fundamental rights of students whose moral sense does not allow them to express their anger and dance together," the leader said. The Muslim Students Federation (MSF), the student wing of the Indian Union Muslim League, has also opposed the initiative, alleging it was introduced without any proper studies. "Has the General Education Department conducted any study or held discussions with students, teachers, and parents before implementing this?' asked MSF state president P K Navas. Education department defends move Amid mounting criticism from Muslims groups, the Kerala education department defended the Zumba initiative for schools, saying it promotes mental and physical well-being. 'We are well into the 21st century—it is 2025. We are not living in the 19th century or the primitive medieval period. Everyone should think in accordance with the times,' said Kerala Higher Education Minister R Bindhu. The General Education Department also voiced support to Zumba, saying the sessions are part of the state government's anti-drug campaign "With Childhood and Youth". Studies have shown that children struggling with mental health issues are more likely to be trapped by drug networks, the department said, clarifying that with Zumba, the goal is to offer positive, healthy alternatives to children. (With PTI, ANI inputs)
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Zumba Dance Program Kerala: Zumba dance programme in Kerala schools faces opposition from Muslim groups, ET Education
Advt Advt Thiruvananthapuram, Zumba dance, a high-energy fitness programme introduced in schools in Kerala by the General Education Department as part of its anti-drug campaign, is facing opposition from certain Muslim groups who argue that it goes against moral programme was introduced in schools following a directive from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who stated that the dance- which combines dance and aerobic movements performed to lively music-would help reduce stress among schoolchildren and, in turn, counter the menace of drug abuse among young this academic year, many schools have begun offering Zumba training."Zumba dance is against moral values," claimed Abdussamad Pookkottur, state secretary of the Samastha Kerala Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), in a Facebook post on Friday, voicing his protest against the state government's initiative. He also urged parents to think more critically about the is the youth wing of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, a prominent Sunni Muslim scholarly body in Higher Education Minister R Bindhu defended the initiative, saying Zumba benefits both children and the general public by promoting mental and physical well-being."We are well into the 21st century-it is 2025. We are not living in the 19th century or the primitive medieval period. Everyone should think in accordance with the times," Bindhu told reporters when asked about the Muslim Students Federation (MSF), the student wing of the Indian Union Muslim League, criticised the government for introducing the programme without conducting proper studies."When such a programme is introduced in schools, thorough and credible studies must be carried out. Has the General Education Department conducted any study or held discussions with students, teachers, and parents before implementing this?" asked MSF state president P K Navas.T K Ashraf, General Secretary of the Wisdom Islamic Organisation, said that as a teacher, he had chosen to step back from implementing the directive mandating Zumba in schools as part of the anti-drug campaign."My son will also not participate in this programme. I am prepared to face whatever action the department may take on this matter," he said in a Facebook said he enrolled his child in a government school to receive quality education-"not to learn a culture where boys and girls, wearing minimal clothing, dance together to the rhythm of music.""There may be people who see this as progressive. I am not one of them-I admit I am old-fashioned in this regard," he added, claiming that many teachers, students, and parents also disagree with the programme but choose to remain silent for fear of possible consequences."I've noticed attempts to intimidate people by saying they will have to provide explanations to the department or face disciplinary action if they do not comply," he General Education Department, however, stated that the Zumba sessions are intended to support students' mental health and are part of the state government's anti-drug campaign "With Childhood and Youth", which carries the message "Padanamaanu Lahari" (Education is the real addiction).The department said the goal is to steer children away from drugs by offering positive, healthy studies, officials noted that children struggling with mental health issues are more likely to be targeted by drug networks. In this context, Zumba is being introduced as a fun and energetic way to improve students' mental and physical to the department, Zumba and similar physical activities help children build confidence, improve posture, stay motivated, and develop social and life skills through group government added that trained instructors will conduct the dance sessions in the support of teachers and parents, the programme aims not only to promote mental balance and physical fitness but also to help build a drug-free future for the next generation, the department said.>
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Business Standard
27-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Zumba dance programme in Kerala schools faces opposition from Muslim groups
Zumba dance, a high-energy fitness programme introduced in schools in Kerala by the General Education Department as part of its anti-drug campaign, is facing opposition from certain Muslim groups who argue that it goes against moral values. The programme was introduced in schools following a directive from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who stated that the dance which combines dance and aerobic movements performed to lively musicwould help reduce stress among schoolchildren and, in turn, counter the menace of drug abuse among young people. From this academic year, many schools have begun offering Zumba training. Zumba dance is against moral values, claimed Abdussamad Pookkottur, state secretary of the Samastha Kerala Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), in a Facebook post on Friday, voicing his protest against the state government's initiative. He also urged parents to think more critically about the programme. SYS is the youth wing of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, a prominent Sunni Muslim scholarly body in Kerala. State Higher Education Minister R Bindhu defended the initiative, saying Zumba benefits both children and the general public by promoting mental and physical well-being. We are well into the 21st centuryit is 2025. We are not living in the 19th century or the primitive medieval period. Everyone should think in accordance with the times, Bindhu told reporters when asked about the controversy. The Muslim Students Federation (MSF), the student wing of the Indian Union Muslim League, criticised the government for introducing the programme without conducting proper studies. When such a programme is introduced in schools, thorough and credible studies must be carried out. Has the General Education Department conducted any study or held discussions with students, teachers, and parents before implementing this? asked MSF state president P K Navas. T K Ashraf, General Secretary of the Wisdom Islamic Organisation, said that as a teacher, he had chosen to step back from implementing the directive mandating Zumba in schools as part of the anti-drug campaign. My son will also not participate in this programme. I am prepared to face whatever action the department may take on this matter, he said in a Facebook post. Ashraf said he enrolled his child in a government school to receive quality educationnot to learn a culture where boys and girls, wearing minimal clothing, dance together to the rhythm of music. There may be people who see this as progressive. I am not one of themI admit I am old-fashioned in this regard, he added, claiming that many teachers, students, and parents also disagree with the programme but choose to remain silent for fear of possible consequences. I've noticed attempts to intimidate people by saying they will have to provide explanations to the department or face disciplinary action if they do not comply, he alleged. The General Education Department, however, stated that the Zumba sessions are intended to support students' mental health and are part of the state government's anti-drug campaign "With Childhood and Youth", which carries the message "Padanamaanu Lahari" (Education is the real addiction). The department said the goal is to steer children away from drugs by offering positive, healthy alternatives. Citing studies, officials noted that children struggling with mental health issues are more likely to be targeted by drug networks. In this context, Zumba is being introduced as a fun and energetic way to improve students' mental and physical well-being. According to the department, Zumba and similar physical activities help children build confidence, improve posture, stay motivated, and develop social and life skills through group participation. The government added that trained instructors will conduct the dance sessions in schools. With the support of teachers and parents, the programme aims not only to promote mental balance and physical fitness but also to help build a drug-free future for the next generation, the department said.
