Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has directed authorities to stop collecting money from students of Classes I to VIII or their parents in connection with school arts festivals.
The directive follows complaints about widespread collection of funds at various levels of the school arts festival, from schools to the state level. The Commission said such practices should be prevented and ordered measures to make the festival more transparent, accountable and inclusive.
The Commission has also called for greater transparency in judging. Marks awarded to individual contestants and groups should be displayed on stage through scrolling electronic screens. The names, educational qualifications and areas of expertise of judges should also be displayed during competitions from the sub-district to state levels.
Clear criteria have been sought for the selection of judges, with authorities directed to use approved panels. Judges at revenue district competitions should be from other districts, while sub-district competitions should have judges from outside the respective sub-district.
The appeal process has also been tightened. Decisions on appeals should be issued within three days and clearly state the reasons. During an appeal, the contestant’s performance should be compared on video with that of the child who secured first place.
The Commission further directed authorities to provide suitable opportunities and facilities for children with disabilities. Competition venues will also require fitness certificates from the Public Works Department.
The Director of General Education, State Police Chief and Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department have been directed to implement the recommendations for the 2026-27 arts festival. The Arts Festival manual has also been ordered to be revised with the participation of experts.