Palakkad govt school sparks row over red paint on new ₹4 crore KIIFB-funded block

A government school in Vellinezhi, Cheruplassery, in Palakkad has landed in controversy after Congress leaders and residents raised objections to the red paint used on the newly constructed higher secondary block. The school received ₹3.90 crore from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) for the new building.

According to school principal Babitha A, neither the school nor the Parent-Teacher Association had any role in the construction or painting of the building. “The engineers under KIIFB are in charge of the construction. Once the work is completed, they hand over the key to us. Our role is limited to that,” she said. Babitha added that after residents and local leaders flagged the issue, she contacted the officials concerned.

“They told me that the red colour is only the first coat. After the second coat, it will appear brick red. They even painted a small portion to show me. The engineers also said the colour was mentioned in the detailed project report (DPR) and that the work was carried out accordingly," she said. "The school walls are very closely situated, which accentuates the red colour,” she added. Contractor Santosh O K echoed her view."The colours used were those recommended by KIIFB," he said.

Local CPM leaders, meanwhile, said there was nothing wrong with the colour scheme and accused Congress workers of blowing the issue out of proportion. However, DCC member P Swaminathan disputed these claims, citing provisions of the Kerala Education Rules (KER). “According to the KER, the permitted colours for government schools are light yellow, cream, blue or white. Red is not mentioned anywhere,” he said.

Swaminathan also questioned the explanations offered by the authorities. “During yesterday’s discussion at the school, the principal said there was no communication between the engineers and the contractors. The contractors claimed the colour was suggested by KIIFB. Officials from KILA, who prepared the list of materials, said they would consider changing the colour, though no assurance was given,” he said.

Swaminathan further alleged that an expensive, branded paint had been used and dismissed the claim that the red was merely a first coat. “Usually, the first coat closely resembles the second coat. KILA officials also said the painting was done based on the model of another school, but in that case, only portions of the parapet were painted red, not the entire wall,” he said.

“This is a government school meant for students, not a Marxist party office or any other organisation’s building. It is unbecoming of a government school to violate the colour guidelines prescribed under the KER,” Swaminathan added, stating that he would file complaints with the District Collector and the Education Department.