T’puram: General education minister V Sivankutty said the tragic death of nine individuals, including teachers from GLP School at Pang Palliparambu in Malappuram, has sent shockwaves across the state. The victims played a significant role in transforming the school, once lagging in academic performance and student strength, into a well-regarded institution. To overcome the crisis in the school, temporary teachers will be appointed on a war footing, he said. Those who lost their lives include school headmistress Ajitha, teachers Majeed, Asha and Ramla Suhra, and cook Sajitha. Also among the deceased were Shakeela, a teacher at GUP School in Pang, Rukhiya Suhra, wife of Majeed, and her son Hisham. The govt has assured that all eligible assistance will be provided to the families of the victims as per existing norms, Sivankutty said. Despite the tragedy occurring during the summer vacation, steps are being taken to ensure that the functioning of the school continues without disruption. The headmaster of GUP School, Ahmed Kutty, will be given additional temporary charge of GLP School, the minister added. It has also been decided that necessary teaching staff will be appointed on a temporary basis on an urgent footing. The responsibility for these arrangements will lie with the Malappuram district education officer, who is currently holding additional charge as deputy director. Oversight will be provided by additional director from the directorate of general education. In view of the emotional impact on students, arrangements are being made to provide psychological counselling. The general education department is coordinating closely with the health department to implement this initiative. The district officer of the women and child welfare department will oversee the counselling arrangements, which are set to begin a week prior to the reopening of the school, the minister said.
