Wed May 14 14:35:11 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten version as a news article:
**Summary:**
The General Education department in Kerala is preparing for the reopening of schools on June 2nd, 2025, with a strong emphasis on student and school safety. Minister Sivankutty outlined mandatory requirements like building fitness certificates, thorough cleaning of school premises, and ensuring safe transportation for students. The department is implementing measures to address issues like private bus conduct, substance abuse, mental health, hygiene in school kitchens, and the provision of midday meals. Training programs and awareness campaigns are also planned to support student well-being.
**News Article:**
**Kerala Schools to Reopen June 2nd with Focus on Safety and Student Well-being**
*Thiruvananthapuram, May 14, 2025* – Kerala’s schools are set to reopen on June 2nd, with the General Education department implementing comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff. Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty announced the detailed preparations at a press conference yesterday.
A key requirement for reopening is mandatory fitness certificates for all school buildings, obtained from local self-government bodies. Parent-teacher associations and local organizations are urged to collaborate in cleaning school premises to eliminate potential hazards.
Transportation safety is a top priority. Schools are required to review safety precautions for students using public transport, school buses, private vehicles, or water transport. The Minister warned that strict action would be taken against private buses refusing to board students or failing to stop at designated bus stops. Adherence to Motor Vehicles department guidelines regarding the maximum number of students allowed on school buses and vehicle fitness will be strictly enforced. Discussions are planned with authorities and associations to ensure safe transport in autorickshaws, taxis, vans, and private buses. Police clearance certificates for bus employees will be taken.
Furthermore, the department will implement curbs on heavy vehicles during student commuting hours. The department is focusing on the behaviour of transport drivers in relation to student safety.
Beyond physical safety, the department will conduct classes for two weeks from June 2nd, and one week from July 18, addressing critical issues like substance abuse, safe vehicle use, violence prevention, personal hygiene, emotional control, and mobile phone/social media addiction.
Mental health support will be strengthened through a four-day training program for Souhruda club coordinators in 1,680 government and aided higher secondary schools. Mentoring programs will be enhanced, with teachers maintaining regular contact with students and documenting their progress. An awareness program against suicides and a campaign to combat exam fear will be launched at the State-level Pravesanolsavam in Alappuzha.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of hygiene in school kitchens, ensuring the quality of food provisions and requiring health cards for all cooking staff. Midday meals will be provided from the first day of school.
First Piper 