Kollam
Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty clarified on Thursday that the revised high school timings were made for students’ benefit and align with academic requirements. He explained that the school day has only been extended by 15 minutes in the morning and afternoon for 16 days each month, excluding Fridays. This adjustment is to ensure 220 teaching days, as mandated by the national academic calendar and state education regulations, essential to cover the complete curriculum.
The minister responded to concerns raised by the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, a prominent group of Sunni scholars, who argued the new schedule could interfere with madrassa education for nearly 12 lakh students. Sivankutty assured that the government respects religious practices and is open to dialogue, but emphasized that the change is rooted in legal and academic guidelines.
He pointed out that the decision was made in response to a Kerala High Court order, which followed a petition by UDF-aligned teacher unions. The court formed a high-level committee to examine the school calendar. Based on its recommendations—now approved by the court—the new timings were implemented.
Last year, when the number of working days was fixed at 209, it was later reduced to 205 after criticism. However, the legal directive now requires full compliance. Sivankutty said the government is not rigid and will consider suggestions, but must follow legal frameworks in educational planning.