• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. Kerala schools closed July 20 for FIFA World Cup final.
  2. Decision by General Education Minister N. Samsudheen announced.
  3. Compensatory working Saturday may be implemented later.

The Kerala General Education Department has announced a holiday for all schools under its jurisdiction on Monday, July 20, in view of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The decision was taken after receiving requests from football-loving students who wanted to watch the late-night championship match.

General Education Minister N. Samsudheen confirmed the announcement through an official statement and social media, saying the government considered students' enthusiasm for football. The holiday applies to all schools under the department, while the missed working day may be compensated later with a working Saturday.

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Why Did Kerala Declare a School Holiday?

The government said many students requested a holiday because the FIFA World Cup final is scheduled to continue past midnight. Officials felt students would find it difficult to attend school on Monday after staying awake to watch the match.

Who Announced the Holiday?

General Education Minister N. Samsudheen officially announced the holiday through social media and the department's statement. He remarked, "Happy now, children?", while confirming that schools would remain closed on July 20.

Who Supported the Demand for a Holiday?

Former Education Minister V. Sivankutty and several UDF leaders had urged the government to declare a holiday. Sivankutty also suggested making a future Saturday a working day to compensate for the academic loss.

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Ministers Back Football Fever:

Kerala's Minister for General Education N. Shamsudheen, Minister for Higher Education Roshy M. John, and Minister for Sports O.J. Janish are all football enthusiasts and have frequently posted messages on social media expressing support for their favorite teams during the FIFA World Cup.
 

Which Schools Will Remain Closed?

The holiday applies to all schools functioning under Kerala's General Education Department. Students are advised to follow updates from their respective schools regarding any changes to the academic calendar or compensatory working day.


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