7/27/2019 Malabar Schools Stop Mid-Day Meals for Ramzan

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7/27/2019 Malabar Schools Stop Mid-Day Meals for Ramzan

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There are some schools in places like Thiruangadi, Vengara, Thennala, Mancheri, Cherumanna, Thanoor &

Vanimel where school fuctions to Islamic calendar. These schools declare holidays for a period of a month

during Ramazan every year. It has been declared this year too. Majority of students here may belong to

Muslim community, it follows general academic calendar and systems. Stopping of Mid-day meals and

reduction in school hours has been effected without addressing concerns of non-muslim students studying

here.Though the decision of these Government Schools is to function between 9am and 3pm or 10am to 4pm, after

onset of Ramzan period, these schools suspend classes before lunch hours. They also dont conduct classes on

Fridays.

In places like Nadapuram, Kinaserry, Pookunnu, Kotiyathur, Koombara it has been reportedly alleged that

some hardcore believers have taken over administration of some schools and are attempting to strictly

enforce Islamic rules & systems. Despite lodging an official complaint with relevant authorities the department

adapted stance that was beneficial to these extreme elements.

State BJP President, V Muralidharan has alleged that changing school timings in Malabar region in the name of

Ramzan is against the law and blatant attempt at religious appeasement. The Education Department

implements the Mid-day meal scheme in schools & after the Ramzan fasting season began it has decided that

that Mid-day meals need not be served for students of other community too.

Schools are not empowered to change timings. If and when other religions celebrate festivals and observefasts and demand such leniency, it may have to be sanctioned. If the academic calendars are subjected to

changed based on religious needs, it would be upset the Academic calendar & system, said Muralidharan

R Pradeep