KOZHIKODE: Another school is facing the similar fate of Malaparamba AUP School. Palat AUP School, Thiruvannur, witnessed a clash between the public and city Assistant Education Officer (AEO) on Monday when the school protection committee obstructed the entry of AEO for closing the school as per a High Court order. The clash led to the intervention of the police.
As per the court order, the AEO was instructed to seal the school by Tuesday evening. “I obeyed the court order but I was again obstructed from carrying out my duty. I will be reporting the incident to the higher authorities,” said city AEO K S Kusumam. Palat AUP School, established on 1958, has been facing the threat of closure by the present manager Naalakath Asharaf, a native of Chemmad, Malappuram.
“Around six years ago, theMunicipal Corporation expressed willingness to acquire the institution. However, they cannot acquire the school because, according to the Municipal Act, only institutions given by the government can be taken over by civic bodies. The present owner of the school bought the school from the previous management with a promise that it will not be used other than for educational activities,” said ward councillor Nambidi Narayanan.
The school is uneconomical with three divisions, four teachers and 16 students. “He is a real-estate businessman and tried to demolish the school with the help of the police, but it was postponed after a public protest. Students from economically backward class depend on this school,” said school protection committee joint secretary C V Gireesh.
The public and the school staff are placing their hope on the state government as it has moved an appeal against the closure of aided schools by managers in the Supreme Court. The threat of closure stays, but the teachers and staff are preparing a grand welcome on Wednesday for the four students enrolled in the school this year.