Thiruvananthapuram, 01 June (H.S.): Schools across Kerala reopened on Monday after the mid-summer vacation, marking the beginning of the new academic year. Educational institutions throughout the state have completed preparations to welcome students back to classrooms, with authorities opting for simple and student-friendly celebrations instead of elaborate functions for this year’s school reopening festivities.

The state-level inauguration of the academic year will be held at the Government Model Girls Higher Secondary School in Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will formally launch the programme at 10 a.m. General Education Minister N. Shamsudheen will preside over the function.

As part of efforts to promote responsible digital behaviour and online safety among children, a Cyber Safety Pledge will be administered during school reopening ceremonies across the state. The initiative is being implemented under the “Kid Glove” project of Kerala Police’s Cyberdome, which aims to raise awareness about cyber security, safe internet usage, and digital responsibility among students.

Education officials said the programme has been designed to sensitise children to emerging online threats and encourage safe practices in an increasingly digital learning environment. Teachers, students and school authorities are expected to actively participate in the awareness campaign.

Meanwhile, the General Education Department has announced that the distribution of textbooks for the new academic year is nearing completion. According to officials, nearly 95 per cent of textbooks had been delivered to schools across the state by Sunday evening. The department expressed confidence that the remaining textbooks would be distributed by Monday, ensuring that students receive their learning materials without delay.

The reopening of schools signals the start of a new academic session for lakhs of students across Kerala, with the government focusing on academic preparedness, student welfare, and digital safety as key priorities for the year ahead.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman