UDF slams Kerala govt over suspension of school teacher for criticising Zumba

Thiruvananthapuram: The Opposition UDF on Saturday criticised the Kerala government for taking disciplinary action against a teacher from an aided school in Palakkad district after he publicly opposed the introduction of Zumba dance in state-run schools.

Acting on the instructions of the general education department, the school management suspended the teacher pending an inquiry into his social media post critical of Zumba.

While addressing reporters, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan said it was inappropriate to penalise a teacher for voicing his personal views.

“It was not right to suspend a teacher for expressing his opinion over a matter,” he said.

Satheesan also pointed out that no disciplinary steps were taken against another teacher who had shared a controversial ‘kafir’ screenshot during the Lok Sabha elections, which led to a political storm in the state.

“No action was taken against him then because he was a CPI(M) member,” the LoP charged.

Continuing his criticism of the government’s move, Satheesan questioned whether teachers were being denied the right to express themselves.

“The higher education department has pressured the management to take action against the teacher. It should be withdrawn. It is not good for Kerala,” Satheesan added.

The Zumba programme was introduced in state schools following a directive from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He had said that the dance, which incorporates aerobic movements set to lively music, would help alleviate stress among schoolchildren and serve as a tool to combat substance abuse.

With the start of the new academic year, many schools across Kerala have adopted Zumba training. However, the initiative has drawn criticism from some Muslim organisations, who opposed the government’s decision.

The Kerala government, last week, stood firm in its decision to introduce Zumba dance in state schools as part of its anti-drug campaign

(inputs from IANS)