The back side of the girls’ hostel building at Government Ashram High School, Thirunelli.
Around 120 Paniya and Adiya tribal girls studying at Government Ashram High School, Thirunelli, in Wayanad, have been made to live in three classrooms since the girls’ hostel was declared unsafe in July this year. With just one toilet, the tribal girls are enduring a harrowing ordeal.
Government Ashram High School, popularly known as Thirunelli Ashram School, remains the sole residential school for Paniya and Adiya children from Wayanad and Kozhikode districts. Following the Public Works department (PWD) deeming the girls’ hostel unfit in July, the girls were relocated to three classrooms on the first floor of the school’s three-storey building.
Classes at the school are disrupted and moved to the computer lab, library, and stage. The school, run by the Scheduled Tribes Development department (STDD), offers classes from one to 10 and is known for its children’s athleticism.
Though STDD decided to move the school to the new Model Residential School in Aralam, Kannur, uncertainty persists about relocating the 250-odd students and 40-plus staff members. STDD superintendent N. Jayan said that the department already paid ₹21 lakh to Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and was waiting for the power connection at Aralam.
The tribal children of Government Ashram High School, Thirunelli, running barefoot along the tarred road during the school’s intramural sports event held in September.
Mr. Jayan said all arrangements at Aralam were done. “We hope to shift to Aralam within one week after getting the power connection,” he said.
Shifting the school to Aralam in Kannur district, about 60 km from Thirunelli, raises concerns. Parents who currently visit their children weekly from various parts of Wayanad would face a much longer journey to see them.
The Ashram School, situated on the forest edge, has been facing neglect from the authorities. With no compound wall or fencing, children face wild animal threats. Teachers said wild elephants were often seen at the school gate.
Poor hygiene is a frequent complaint at the school and its hostels. The school’s sick room looks like a place that could make anyone ill. A staff member pointed out that forcing about 120 girls to share one toilet underscored the authorities’ attitude.
The school has maintained a 100% pass rate in SSLC exams for years. Its students often dominate the State residential school sports meet. Lacking a sports ground, children had to run barefoot on the tarred road in school-level competitions. School officials said they had no choice.
Published – October 21, 2025 08:58 pm IST
