Thu Jan 09 14:56:27 UTC 2025: ## Kerala School Arts Festival to Expand, Scholarship Increased
**Thiruvananthapuram, January 9, 2025** – The Kerala State School Arts Festival is set to undergo significant changes following its 63rd edition. Education Minister V. Sivankutty announced plans to include more traditional art forms and address financial burdens faced by participating students.
This year saw the festival’s first inclusion of five tribal art forms: Mangalamkali, Paniya dance, Irula dance, Paliya dance, and Malapulayattam. However, concerns were raised about the financial strain on students, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds, prompting a review of potential solutions. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has also requested an investigation into the matter.
Further changes are planned to standardize the festival’s structure and improve transparency at the school, sub-district, and district levels, following complaints received regarding inconsistencies.
In addition, the one-time cultural scholarship for participants will be increased from ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 starting next year. The Minister stated that the inclusion of additional traditional art forms is under active consideration.
First Piper 