Kerala has directed District Collectors to prepare district-level plans to inspect schools and issue NOCs before they reopen next month. The move aims to ensure the fitness of school buildings and expedite the process of issuing NOCs by the concerned departments.

District Collectors are convening meetings with heads of departments to coordinate the inspections, which will involve checking school buildings, electrical wiring, wells, and drinking water tanks, as well as ensuring the fitness of school buses.

Nodal officers will be appointed at the district level to oversee the inspections and coordinate with various departments, including General Education, Health, Fire and Rescue Services, Public Works, Motor Vehicles, and Local Self-government.

The inspections are expected to be completed ahead of the rains, with officials promising to cover all schools despite staff shortages in some departments. The court has not been involved in this matter, however, the Additional Director of General Education has chaired a meeting of education officers to issue instructions on expediting maintenance of old structures and ensuring school safety.

The immediate next steps include the completion of inspections and the issuance of NOCs to schools, with schools required to apply for the certificates and attest to their safety in order to obtain fitness certificates for their buildings.