Lighter School Bags, No Backbenchers: Kerala Plans Classroom Changes

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is planning major changes in classrooms, including lighter school bags and doing away with the concept of “backbenchers”, as part of efforts to make schools more child-friendly and inclusive.

The proposals are contained in a draft report approved by the State Curriculum Steering Committee, General Education Minister V Sivankutty said in a statement.

The plan focuses on reducing the physical burden on students by cutting down the weight of school bags and reshaping classroom seating to remove the traditional division between front and back benches. According to the minister, the aim is to support the physical and mental well-being of children and to promote a more democratic learning environment where all students are equally engaged.

The draft was prepared by the State Council of Educational Research and Training after it was asked to study the issue in detail. The committee has now cleared the report for public consultation.

The minister said the draft report will be uploaded on the SCERT website, and teachers, parents, students and members of the public can submit their suggestions and feedback until January 20.

Taking these responses into account, the Department of General Education plans to roll out the changes in schools from the coming academic year.

“These steps are meant to make classrooms more inclusive and learning more comfortable for children,” Sivankutty said, adding that the reforms would help create a healthier and more democratic school environment across Kerala.