The recent sharp drop in student attendance at St Joseph’s LP School in Karimbalakunnu, Kozhikode, is due to a police crackdown in the area following violent protests against the Fresh Cut chicken waste disposal plant. Police vehicles have been patrolling and conducting raids continuously, causing fear among children and their families. Most students come from Karimbalakunnu, and with adults avoiding the streets fearing police action, children are not being brought to school, resulting in attendance dropping to as low as six out of 63 students. The headmistress informed the education department about this situation and expressed teachers’ willingness to conduct online classes if permitted. The unrest stems from cases filed against over 100 people involved in attacks on police personnel and setting fire to the factory and vehicles during the protest on October 21. This incident reflects the sensitive local context influencing education continuity. Kerala’s education authorities, amid enforcing mandatory attendance norms (such as CBSE’s 75% attendance rule for exam eligibility), are simultaneously balancing safety and community issues that disrupt school attendance. State-wide directives also emphasize accurate attendance recording, outreach to families, and support for vulnerable groups like Scheduled Tribe students to ensure their educational progress.
In conclusion, the current attendance crisis at St Joseph’s LP School in Karimbalakunnu, Kozhikode, highlights the complex challenges faced by communities where civic unrest and law enforcement activities directly impact education. The fear and disruption caused by police operations in response to protests have led to a significant drop in student presence, reflecting how external social factors can intrude on children’s access to learning. The school’s readiness to adopt online classes offers a temporary solution while the situation stabilizes. This incident underscores the need for sensitive approaches that balance security with the uninterrupted education of children. As Kozhikode continues to develop, addressing such challenges with community engagement and support for both safety and schooling is essential for the well-being and future of its young learners. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the broader social dynamics at play and their effects on education in local communities.
Read more at: https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2025/10/31/school-attendance-fresh-cut-police.html