A new set of guidelines also brings in major changes including a cap on items a student can take part in and higher fees for appeals against the jury’s verdict.Thiruvananthapuram: The state government will no longer ask teachers to collect funds from students to organize the state-level school arts festival. A new set of guidelines also brings in major changes including a cap on items a student can take part in and higher fees for appeals against the jury’s verdict.
The colorful procession that marked the inauguration of the annual event will be a thing of the past. Culture-themed floats may continue to grace the event.
The festival will be held under the watch of green protocol committees to ensure that the environment friendly guidelines are followed.
Other changes include the doing away with separate categories for boys and girls in Kathakali, folk dance and mimicry. Boys and girls will continue to compete separately in Kerala Natanam and mono act even though the draft guidelines suggested common competitions.
Folk dance contestants run the risk of lower marks if they opt for costly costumes. The guidelines also bar anyone other than students to support the contestants back stage.
The students who secure A grade in the state arts festival will be endowed a cultural scholarship. A student can only participate in three individual items and two group items.
Any contestant who wants to appeal the decision of the jury has to deposit Rs 500 at the school level, Rs 1,000 at the district level and Rs 2,000 at the state level.
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