Minister promises inquiry into irregularities

Staff Reporter

Complaints of DDE allowing appeals at Kalotsavam

KOCHI: Education Minister E.T. Mohammed Basheer has said that departmental inquiry will be conducted on the complaints that there are irregularities regarding the Deputy Directors of Education (DDE) allowing appeals of the candidates for participating in the State School Kalotsavam.

He was talking to presspersons on Saturday night at the venue of the 46th State School Kalotsavam being held here.

The Minister said that from next year, steps would be taken to make the rules and regulations regarding the appeals stricter. He was referring to the continuing flow of appeals from students for participating in the State-level Kalolsavam even after the change in the festival manual this year.

The Minister said that from next year, even if the students who participate through appeals win a first place, his or her points would not be added to the overall tally of the district.

It is also being considered whether allowing appeals should be left to the discretion of the High Court alone.

This would be decided after holding consultations with legal experts, he said.

From next year onwards, the results would be completely computerised, said the Minister. He also said that from next year, magic would be included as an item in the competitions.
(The Hindu - 22/01/06, Sunday)