Kerala’s single-teacher system becomes history; 8 centres upgraded to government LP schools

Kerala has ended its single-teacher school system, with eight Multi-Grade Learning Centres (MGLCs) in remote and disadvantaged areas upgraded to government Lower Primary (LP) schools.

The upgrade was announced in a government press release issued on Friday (October 2). The state-level inauguration was held at Melmuri Alternative School in Kizhisseri, Malappuram, as part of the government's first 100-day action programme.

General Education Minister N. Samsudheen inaugurated the programme, while Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer presided over the function.

Eight single-teacher schools upgraded

The eight MGLCs being converted into regular government LP schools include five in Malappuram and one each in Kasaragod, Idukki and Kannur.

The upgraded schools will have classrooms, a headmaster's room and the required teaching posts, Samsudheen said.

"There will be no single-teacher schools in Kerala hereafter," the minister said. The institutions will now function as fully equipped LP schools, with teachers and infrastructure suited to current requirements.

The government said the alternative schools were established to ensure primary education for children living in remote, hilly, tribal and otherwise disadvantaged areas. Their conversion into regular government schools is intended to provide more comprehensive facilities and staffing.

Samsudheen also outlined other initiatives being undertaken in the state's general education sector.

MGLCs began in 1997

Multi-Grade Learning Centres are single-teacher primary schools that were originally established in Kerala in 1997 under the District Primary Education Project (DPEP).

They were set up to provide basic education to children in remote tribal and coastal areas, where access to regular schools was limited.

Over the years, local residents and parents played a role in sustaining these institutions and bringing children from disadvantaged communities into formal education, Basheer said.

He described the conversion of the alternative schools into government institutions as a significant development for the communities they serve.

Basheer seeks public support

Basheer said strengthening government schools was a shared responsibility of the government and society.

He urged parents to consider government schools for their children, pointing to qualified teachers as well as facilities such as free textbooks and uniforms.

He also called on local residents to work together to increase admissions to the upgraded schools in the coming academic year and help them grow.

Basheer said he would extend full support for educational and infrastructure development in the area. 

He further urged the Education Department to take sympathetic steps to rehabilitate and appoint teachers who had worked in the alternative schools for a long period, considering their service and qualifications.