Members of the Opposition locked horns with the government in the Assembly on Wednesday over the reforms mooted for restructuring school education and walked out in protest.
K.N.A. Khader, who gave notice for an adjournment motion on the problems thrown up by the move to implement the report of Khader Commission appointed for restructuring school education, said that the recommendations, if implemented, would lead to centralisation of powers and disrupt the smooth functioning schools. It would derail the conduct of examinations, and lead to chaos, he said.
Education Minister C. Ravindranath clarified that the move was aimed at toning up school administration and ensuring academic excellence by treating different units on a campus as one unit. Though the report covers 14 areas in school education, the government plans to implement only the recommendations for restructuring and enhancing academic excellence.
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One Principal
The committee has recommended for one Principal in a school from Classes I to XII. Headmasters will become Vice Principals. The new dispensation will have Director of General Education, who will also serve as the Commissioner of Examinations.
The posts of Deputy Director of Education, Regional Deputy Director, and such others will be retained. Implementation of the report will not affect the promotion and other benefits of teaching and non-teaching staff, he said.
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Minister clarifies
Prof. Ravidranath clarified that the government had held several rounds of discussions with stakeholders with an open mind and was ready to incorporate changes, if needed.
Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala described it as a piecemeal approach and said that it will have serious ramifications. Based on the government’s clarification, Speaker P. Sreeramakrishnan denied leave for the notice and the Opposition walked out in protest.