Education Minister V Sivankutty Announces New Reforms to Boost School Efficiency and Student Welfare

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty announced major administrative reforms to enhance the efficiency of the state’s public education sector, following a high-level meeting of department officials. The meeting decided to accelerate the clearance of pending files and to prepare a special action plan to ensure timely disposal of new files. The Director of General Education and the Additional Director (General) will directly oversee follow-up inspections and submit periodic reports to the government.

To reinforce constitutional values, schools have been instructed to read out the Preamble of the Constitution, which is included in textbooks, during special school assemblies.

As part of transforming school infrastructure, the government will take steps to eliminate the traditional back-bencher system in schools with adequate facilities and in all new buildings. While preparing plans for new school buildings, it will be mandatory to provide fans in all classrooms, air conditioning in key rooms, and lifts in buildings with more than three floors, along with ramps for children who are differently-abled.

The minister also stressed that no child should be excluded from school trips due to financial difficulties, and directed officials to ensure compliance through district-level inspections.

To create a more joyful learning environment, students will be allowed to wear clothes of their choice instead of uniforms on festive occasions and their birthdays. Teachers have been instructed to completely avoid accepting gifts from students. Alongside the continued implementation of the Subject Minimum Program, the department will consider providing learning support measures, including refreshments, with the cooperation of PTAs, SMCs, and alumni associations.

The minister further emphasized that students must be able to fully utilize their vacation periods without any disruptions.

To strengthen oversight, the vigilance system at the Directorate of Education will be expanded. Deputy Directors (DDs), District Education Officers (DEOs), and Assistant Education Officers (AEOs) must improve office efficiency, conduct regular school inspections, and submit reports directly to the Director of General Education. The Director is required to brief the minister every month on inspections and actions taken. Strict disciplinary action will be initiated against officials who show reluctance in implementing government orders.

Additionally, special bylaws and office-bearer structures will be introduced for school PTAs, SMCs, and alumni organizations, from sub-district to state level.

The meeting was attended by General Education Secretary K. Vasuki (IAS), Director of General Education Umesh N.S.K (IAS), Additional Directors Shibu and Santosh, directors of SSK and SCERT, all Deputy Directors, RDDs, and other senior officials.