Thiruvananthapuram, 17 August (H.S.): Students in Kerala will be permitted to attend school in clothes of their choice during the Onam celebrations on August 21, with the state government relaxing the uniform rule.

Education Minister N. Shamsuddeen has directed schools to allow children to wear preferred attire instead of their uniforms while participating in the celebrations. The move is intended to help students take part in the festivities and add colour to school-level Onam programmes.

The Director of General Education has been asked to issue the necessary instructions to schools across the state, ensuring that the relaxation is implemented uniformly. Students will, however, remain free to wear their uniforms if they choose to do so.

The decision comes after the Education Department earlier rescheduled the Class VIII Malayalam second paper examination that had coincided with the Onam celebrations in most schools.

The examination was initially scheduled for August 20 but was later shifted to August 21 to prevent a clash with the examination timings of other classes. The revised date, however, prompted criticism from students, teachers and school authorities because most institutions had already planned their Onam programmes for that day.

Stakeholders pointed out that conducting an examination alongside cultural programmes, traditional games and communal feasts would create considerable inconvenience for both children and teachers. They also argued that students appearing for the examination would be unable to participate fully in one of the most eagerly awaited events in the school calendar.

Responding to these concerns, the department postponed the examination until after the Onam holidays. Under the revised timetable, the Class VIII Malayalam second paper examination will now be held on September 1.

The changes are expected to allow schools to conduct their celebrations without disruption while ensuring that students can participate freely and sit for the examination after the holiday break.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman