High school- higher secondary integration: Govt moves ahead with Khader committee report

Thiruvananthapuram: Despite opposition, the government is proceeding with school integration based on the Khader Committee report. The Kerala Cabinet is considering a recommendation to merge classes 8 to 12 into a single unit, eliminating the distinction between high school and higher secondary levels.

Although the Department of General Education had prepared a Cabinet note on school integration, the members received a copy of the Khader committee report only on Wednesday morning. Owing to the demand of more time to study the report in detail, the discussion on the integration was postponed to another Cabinet meeting. Although the Khader committee has recommended the change of school timings, the Cabinet has agreed to implement the unification by avoiding the controversial portions of the report. 

The central education structure is secondary which includes classes 9-12. Kerala has not yet shifted to this structure. The current structure followed in the state is high school from 8-10 and then higher secondary for classes 11 and 12. If the integration is implemented, junior teachers from the higher secondary section will have to teach in high schools as well.

The objection of the opposition teacher’s organisation is fueled by the reduction of teaching posts that this integration will bring about. Community organisations have come forward against the recommendation to change school timings to 8 or 8:30 in the morning. There is also a concern that Madrasa studies will be affected.