A new dawn for education sector in Kerala

Regardless of which government is in power, the education sector remains the most criticised department by a mile. The stalled development of physical facilities in schools and the content of education had always remained the mainstay of debates.

As the Left government led by Pinarayi Vijayan enters a decade in power, the benefits of planning and implementing several projects to bring about radical changes in the field of public education are palpable.

V. Sivankutty, the Minister of Public Education, implemented several exemplary and practical projects that brought about major changes in the education sector. The fact that this continues even today is certainly commendable.

The Comprehensive Quality Education Scheme, which is part of it, aims to bring all children to the highest level of learning. As a first step, it was stipulated that at least 30 per cent marks should be obtained in the eighth grade in the end-of-year examination. A system was also put in place to provide additional study support to children who failed to cross the minimum mark range.

The Department of General Education has planned sports programs, creative art and literature programs aimed at eliminating the menace of drugs and addiction and bringing joy to the little minds.

The textbook ‘Thelivanam Varakunnavar’ and the module prepared by SCERT and Vidyakiranam Mission for its classroom application are effectively utilised. The book 'Kurunnezethuthukal' is a collection of diaries written by first-grade children, edited and published by V. Sivankutty as the Minister of Education. This book, which includes children's writings, reveals the changing times of the education sector in Kerala.

Thousands of children sent their writings to the children's textbooks published by the Vidyakiranam Mission. There must have been collective participation of teachers and parents behind this. The effort to deliver all the textbooks early is also commendable.

The Education Department's plans to help children come out of the confined walls of academics and expose them to extracurricular activities are worth praise. This is something that could even radiate joy among parents.