Thiruvananthapuram Collector Faces Parents’ Wrath Over Delayed Rain Holiday Announcement
Thiruvananthapuram, September 26: District Collector Anukumarie of Thiruvananthapuram has drawn severe criticism from parents following a delayed announcement of a holiday for educational institutions due to heavy rainfall. While the Collector declared a holiday for all educational institutions, including professional colleges, parents took to her official Facebook page to express their frustration, arguing that the announcement came too late, disrupting their morning routines and causing inconvenience.
Parents voiced their dismay over the timing of the announcement. One parent commented, “It would have been better if it was announced a little later. The rain started yesterday and continued all night. Why declare a holiday now, after the children are all ready? Did madam just wake up?” This sentiment was echoed by many, highlighting the recurring nature of such late announcements. “The rain started on Wednesday night and is still falling heavily,” another parent remarked. “Announcing a holiday after children have already left for school has become a regular practice. It’s truly regrettable that the Collector didn’t take notice despite heavy rain for two consecutive nights and throughout yesterday.”
Further complaints underscored the practical difficulties faced by families. “If it had been announced around noon, things could have been managed more conveniently,” a frustrated parent stated. “I checked until 6:15 AM before waking my child. The update came exactly 5 minutes before the school bus arrived.” The criticism wasn’t limited to local residents, with one individual from Kannur commenting, “I came here after seeing Sreejith Panicker’s FB post. Please don’t take this as advice, but try to wake up by at least seven in the morning. After all, you are a Collector, Madam.”
Adding to the Collector’s predicament, some parents also contrasted her announcement with that of the Education Minister. The Minister reportedly shared the holiday information on his Facebook page a full 12 minutes before the Collector’s official announcement, earning him praise. This incident highlighted the public’s expectation for timely and proactive measures, especially during adverse weather conditions. While District Collectors often face criticism from students for not declaring holidays during heavy rains, this time, parents’ anger stemmed from the perceived delay in providing the necessary relief. The episode underscores the delicate balance administrators must maintain between public safety and avoiding disruptions, all while meeting public expectations for prompt communication.