Kozhikode: The exam centre of the accused in the Shahbaz murder case in Thamarassery has been changed. The police had given a knife to the District Education Officer demanding that the guilty students be transferred to a different school. The exam centre was changed following this.

The police had said that there would be a possibility of conflict if the students wrote the exam in the same school and requested that facilities be provided for the five to write the exam at a different location. The police’s move came after student youth organisations raised protests.

SSLC and Plus Two examinations will begin tomorrow. 4,27,021 students will appear for the regular examination. Minister V Sivankutty wished the students success. The examinations will end on March 26.

4,27,021 students will appear for the regular SSLC examination in 2964 centres across the state, 9 centres in Lakshadweep and 7 centres in the Gulf region. In addition to 682 children from the Gulf region and 447 children from the Lakshadweep region, 8 children are also appearing for the examination in the old scheme. The highest number of children will appear for the examination in Malappuram Educational District of Malappuram Revenue District.

The evaluation will be conducted in two phases in 72 camps. 4,44,693 students are appearing for the Plus One and Plus Two examinations. 2000 examination centres have been set up for the Plus One and Plus Two examinations. The evaluation will be conducted at 89 centres from April 3. Minister V Sivankutty wished success to the students appearing for the examinations. He also told the students to face the examinations with confidence. The examinations will end on March 26.

Kozhikode: One more death due to amoebic encephalitis has been confirmed in the state. Another young woman who was admitted to Kozhikode Medical College with symptoms of amoebic encephalitis has died. The deceased has been identified as Palot Methal Jisna (38), a native of Peruvayalkutikattur, Kozhikode. The source of the disease is not clear, officials said.

Vatakara: As a landmark tribute to its centenary celebrations, ULCCS dedicated the ULCCS Centenary School, Muttungal, to the community. Once on the brink of closure, the historic Muttungal School has been reborn—this time, as an innovative learning space embracing a holistic educational approach known as the ‘Creative School.’

The grand inauguration witnessed the presence of eminent figures from politics, arts, sports, literature, and culture, alongside parents and well-wishers, who lit ‘alphabets lamps’ to mark a bright new beginning. With this transformation, children from working-class families now have access to international-standard education, ensuring equal opportunities for learning and growth.

The historic 131-year-old Muttungal LP School, which was demolished for national highway development, faced the threat of permanent closure. However, in response to appeals from the local community, school protection committee, and PTA, the Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS) stepped in to preserve its legacy. Acquiring new land and constructing a state-of-the-art facility, ULCCS revitalized the institution as a centenary tribute, enabling international-standard education for children, including those from working-class and coastal communities.

The official inauguration was marked by the symbolic lighting of lamps, arranged in the shape of the first Malayalam alphabet, ‘അ’ (A). The inauguration was graced by renowned personalities, including writer M. Mukundan, former MLA A. Pradeep Kumar, known for spearheading school revival projects, lyricist and musician Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri, Padma Shri awardee and Kalaripayattu practitioner Meenakshi Amma, Block Panchayat President K.P. Girija, Deputy Director of Education Manoj Kumar C, film actress Anu Sithara, poet Veerankutty, and singers V.T. Murali and Vishnumaya Ramesh.

Presided over by Chorode Panchayat President P.P. Chandrasekharan Master, the event featured a welcome address by ULCCS Chairman Rameshan Paleri and a vote of thanks by MD S. Shaju. Representatives from the education department, local administration, and the school protection committee were also present at the function.

A vibrant procession of students and parents to the newly built school marked the beginning of the celebrations. Guests were welcomed with a traditional Oppana performance by young artists from Perambra GUPS. The Aksharadeepam (lamp of knowledge) was ceremoniously lit to the background of Guru Vagbhatanandakriti, sung by child artist Sarang Rajeev, followed by a balloon release and an inaugural prayer by the school children.

In recognition of their efforts, the engineering and design teams behind the construction of the new school building were honored on stage. Additionally, students from the region who excelled in state-level art, sports, science, and mathematics competitions were felicitated. The event concluded with cultural performances by school students and a special stage show by Oscar Manoj.

Speaking on the occasion, ULCCS Chairman Rameshan Paleri emphasized that the school will implement the ‘Creative Education’ system, developed by a panel of leading educationists in the state. This pioneering approach aims to foster holistic child development, going beyond conventional academics to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Designed to foster interactive and experiential learning, the new school building features dedicated spaces for reading, science experiments, mathematics, performing arts, music, dance, chess, painting, agriculture, and nature studies. With this pioneering educational model, ULCCS Centenary School aims to provide an international standard of education, creating a dynamic, hands-on, and inclusive environment where young minds can thrive. The school is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for growth and excellence, especially for children from working-class and coastal communities.

Thiruvananthapuram: Food and Public Distribution Minister G. R. Anil announced that the distribution of ration for the month of February has been extended till March 3. Ration traders will have a holiday on March 4 in connection with the month-end accounting. This month’s ration distribution will start from March 5. 77 percent of cardholders in the state have received their ration till 5.30 pm on February 28. On Friday alone, 5,07,660 cardholders received their ration. The minister informed that all ration cardholders who are to receive ration in February should receive their share by March 3.

Kottayam: Former MLA and BJP leader P.C. George, who is on remand in a hate speech case, has been granted bail. The Erattupetta Magistrate’s Court granted bail.

George, who is admitted to the Kottayam Medical College Hospital, is continuing to be monitored by doctors. Although the prosecution opposed his bail, the court granted him bail. The prosecution pointed out that George is continuously violating the bail conditions, but the lawyer requested the court to grant him bail because his health condition is poor and that an angiogram should be done.

The court granted bail while a final decision was being taken on the matter of transferring George to jail after his health condition improved. The court’s action is in a case filed by the Erattupetta police on a complaint filed by the Youth League alleging that he made anti-Muslim statements during a channel discussion on January 5.