Karthikeyan committee report shouldn't be overlooked

In due time only we know whether the Prof V Karthikeyan committee report appointed to study the problems of Plus One admission along with several expert committee reports will face neglect at the secretariat. Plus One admission in the state has been done through a single window system for a decade and a half. Although the admission process has been made transparent, there are many problems and limitations during the admission period and there are serious complaints related to the single window system throughout the state. Most of the complaints are from the northern districts of the state. This even led to major protests. This time too, even the smart ones who got A Plus in all the subjects failed to secure admission.

The complaints were somehow cleared by allowing an additional batch. As the teaching posts are not created accordingly when the new batches are sanctioned, the classes have to be conducted by contract teachers. Contract teachers have become a permanent system in government higher secondary schools. One of the disadvantages of the single window system is that one does not get to study the subject and schools of their choice. The Karthikeyan committee has made several recommendations to make the admission process more streamlined and transparent, including the restructuring of the ICT cell that oversees admissions. It has also suggested measures to reduce the burden of study on students.

Although study load is not a big problem among studious children, it is the main reason why a large number of them go astray. Outside of classrooms and books, children's opportunities for mental play, recreation, or developing reading habits are limited. It is this situation that forces children to turn to the wrong ways. The boring curriculum is the main reason that pushes many students into drug use which has seriously affected today's youth. The expert committees that prepare curriculum need to find a solution to this.

Many lessons from primary to higher secondary are unnecessary and adds to children's stress. Most of the children are not studying the subjects that suit their taste. This is the reason why many people are left behind when it comes to higher studies without being able to prove their brilliance. The understanding of what subject to choose in the future should start at the high school level. Teachers should also be able to assess the interests of the child and guide them. Only then can education be meaningful and beneficial. The Karthikeyan Committee report should not be left unnoticed and the government should study its recommendations seriously. Those that can be implemented should be implemented in the next academic year itself. The opinion of the teachers should also be heard on this matter. Teachers' unions should not only raise their voices for salary hikes but should also meaningfully engage in issues affecting children. The government should also provide adequate support.