Thiruvananthapuram, June 4 - A record 350,000 students in Kerala began a new term Monday as schools across the state re-opened after a two-month break.

The state government has decided there would be 200 working days this academic year instead of 194 days in the previous years. Thus, six Saturdays have been declared working days.

"Both of us have decided to take leave for the day because our son is joining Class 1. For the past one year, he was attending a play school which was more of an extended home and he was happy. And now, he is not very keen to go to the new school," said a couple in Kottayam who are both state government employees.

K. Prakash, who has been doing his bit to help children from the weaker sections of society for the past two decades, distributed school kits to 1,500 children in Kochi and the neighbouring districts.

"We don't collect a single rupee from anyone to do this. Every year, we do this and distribute school kits including bags, books, umbrellas and other essential items needed for a student. This time too, the response has been good," said Prakash.

The state government organised functions to welcome children in all the district headquarters on the theme of better relations between teachers and the parent-teacher associations.