Classrooms without backbenchers: Kerala Education Minister seeks recommendations

Thiruvananthapuram: The recent release of the film Sthanarthi Sreekuttan has reignited a debate about the traditional classroom concept of 'backbenchers'. Responding to this conversation, Kerala's Minister for General Education, V Sivankutty, has announced a progressive move to eliminate the very idea of backbenchers from school classrooms in the state.

Full version of the Facebook post

Dear friends,

We want to eliminate the concept of 'backbenchers' from our school classrooms. This concept has the potential to negatively affect a student's confidence and learning. No child should be left behind in their studies or in life. Our goal is to ensure equal opportunities for all children. We are thinking about how to implement this. Many countries are following different models to eliminate the concept of backbenchers. We have decided to appoint a committee of experts to find the best model suitable for our education system. Let us move forward after considering the suggestions of this committee. We seek your full support for a better future for our children.

Many praised the post, with several commenting that the move would help protect children's self-confidence.