'Violation Of Right To Education': Kerala Rejects Proposal To Use Students For SIR Work

Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty on Tuesday rejected a proposal to use school students as volunteers for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll, calling it a “violation of their right to education”.

The proposal, which suggested that NSS and NCC students could assist with electoral roll revision tasks, was criticised by the minister for its potential to disrupt students’ academic schedules.

Sivankutty argued that, with exams approaching and classes in full swing, assigning students to election-related duties would negatively impact their studies. “Under no circumstances should students be given this kind of responsibility. Dedicating students for more than 10 days away from classes for data collection and digitisation

work related to the voter list will affect their exams,” he said.

VIDEO | Thiruvananthapuram: “Using children as volunteers for SIR will affect their education and cannot be allowed,” says Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty.

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The minister also pointed out that the State Education Department had already allocated 5,623 of its personnel, including both teaching and non-teaching staff, to assist with the SIR process.

While Sivankutty acknowledged the value of student participation in social initiatives like those led by the National Service Scheme (NSS), National Cadet Corps (NCC), and Student Police Cadet (SPC), he stressed that “it is not right to use children for office and field work by missing classes during school days.”

“Using children for other official duties is a violation of their right to education,” he added.

Sivankutty further questioned who would be responsible for any difficulties students might face if they miss classes for 10 days to participate in election work. “Those who give such tasks to the children will have to bear responsibility if the kids face any difficulties,” he stated.

The minister’s remarks came after reports suggested that the Kerala Chief Electoral Officer had proposed the use of students for SIR activities.

Earlier today, educational institutions in Kozhikode and Thrissur received official letters from Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) requesting the deployment of student volunteers, including NSS, NCC, Scouts, Guides, and Souhrida Club members, for the ongoing electoral roll revision.

(With inputs from agencies)