Draft school manual: 30 students in one division from classes 1 to 5

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A draft school manual published by the Public Education Department has suggested that a maximum of 30 students in classes one to five and 35 students in classes six to eight be admitted. Up to 50 students can be admitted in the first division in the ninth and tenth classes. The age limit for admission to first classes in the state will remain at five years. School assembly should not exceed 15 minutes. There must be at least one Malayalam division in the school. English medium classes should be started only if there are 30 children.

Admission should not be denied on the grounds of delay in obtaining TC. In such a case the headteacher must inform the school where the student had previously attended and transfer the TC through the 'Sampoorna' software. Action will be taken against those who fall short. The school building and campus may not be used except for educational purposes.

School management committees should ensure that teachers do not engage in private tuition or private study activities. Private competitions, examinations and fundraising may not be conducted without the permission of the Government or the Director of Public Education. The final manual will be published after considering the views of various levels, including teachers.

Adequate toilet facilities are required

• Schools need adequate toilet facilities
• 10: 1 for girls and 25: 1 for boys
• Half of the parents 'and teachers' representatives in the PTA executive should be women
• Teachers should not complain in a way that undermines the confidence of the children
• Schools need library, science and classroom laboratory facilities
• The Green Protocol must be strictly adhered to