August 5, 2025

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held a critical meeting on August 5, 2025, in Thiruvananthapuram, focusing on the safety and condition of public buildings in the state, particularly schools and hospitals. The Chief Minister urged the Disaster Management department to compile a list of weak and dilapidated structures within two weeks, emphasizing the importance of taking immediate action to ensure safety for students and citizens alike. During the meeting, the Chief Minister highlighted that it is paramount to distinguish between buildings that absolutely need demolition and those that require repairs. He proposed that any school buildings designated for demolition should be carried out during holidays to minimize disruption to students' education. To address the educational needs during the reconstruction phase, local self-government bodies, along with the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the Education department, should devise solutions to allow students to continue their studies. In addition to assessing the condition of school buildings, Vijayan called for an evaluation of the safety of unaided school structures across the state. This comprehensive approach aims to safeguard the educational environment for all students. To facilitate better monitoring and management of public buildings at risk, the Chief Minister announced plans to develop specialized software that will record detailed information about these structures. The meeting included key figures from the state's government, such as Revenue Minister K. Rajan, Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal, Public Works Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, General Education Minister V. Sivankutty, and Health Minister Veena George. Their presence underscores the collective effort required to address this pressing issue of infrastructure safety. Furthermore, the Chief Minister suggested forming an inspection system that would include the Chief Electrical Officer along with electrical engineers from both the Local Self-Government department and the Public Works department. This team would specifically focus on inspecting electrical safety aspects for at-risk buildings, further enhancing the safety protocols surrounding public infrastructure. In conclusion, the initiative led by Chief Minister Vijayan reflects the Kerala government's commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of public buildings, particularly in educational and healthcare settings. It paves the way for systematic assessments and timely actions that will ultimately protect the community's wellbeing. As demolition and repairs commence, the collaboration of various governmental departments will be pivotal in maintaining the continuity of education and ensuring a safe environment for residents of Kerala.

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Tags: Kerala, Pinarayi vijayan, Disaster management, Infrastructure, Schools, Safety,