High school timings changed for students’ benefit: Minister Sivankutty
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Kollam: Kerala’s General Education Minister V. Sivankutty on Thursday defended the recent revision of high school timings, stating that the changes were made solely for the benefit of students and in accordance with educational requirements. He clarified that the state government had not committed any lapse in the matter.
Under the new schedule, school hours have been extended by just 15 minutes in the morning and afternoon sessions for 16 days each month, excluding Fridays. Sivankutty explained that this slight extension is necessary to meet the mandatory teaching time equivalent to 220 instructional days, as stipulated by both the national education calendar and the state’s educational regulations.
Responding to media questions regarding concerns raised by Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama at an event attended by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the minister said the government acknowledges the sentiments of the organisation. Samastha, a prominent body of Sunni scholars with a vast following among Kerala Muslims, had expressed that the revised school schedule could adversely impact madrassa education for nearly 12 lakh students.
Sivankutty assured that the government does not intend to disregard any community’s religious practices and is open to discussions. “We are not against anyone’s beliefs. Let them share their suggestions, and we will certainly consider them. We are not rigid on the issue,” he said.
He also noted that the decision was not arbitrary, but based on legal and administrative directives. The revised timing stems from a Kerala High Court order following petitions by certain teachers’ organisations affiliated with the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), who had opposed the earlier decision to limit the number of teaching days to 209. Responding to the court’s directive, a high-power committee was formed to examine the matter.
“Last year, I had reduced the teaching days to 205 from 209 after opposition. But some organisations approached the High Court, which then ordered the formation of a high-power committee. The committee submitted its report, which the court accepted. Based on that report, we revised the school timings,” Sivankutty said.
He reiterated that the changes were made strictly in compliance with court directives and educational policy, and not with any intention to interfere with religious education or traditions.
With PTI inputs
