Thiruvananthapuram: The state government’s decision to extend the academic year to April 5 and implement 210 working days has drawn stiff resistance from Kerala School Teachers Association (KSTA), a pro-CPM group of teachers. Earlier, the CPI-backed All Kerala School Teachers Union (AKSTU) had also decried the government’s decision. 

“The academic calendar was unilaterally determined without holding proper talks,” slammed TN Sivarajan, KSTA general secretary. There are already 200 working days in the primary schools at five hours per day. Hence, there is no need for classes on Saturdays, he added. 

KSTA members also demanded amendments to the academic calendar in line with scientific studies. The government should have avoided the announcement that resulted in unnecessary controversies. 

Meanwhile, the Director of General Education on Friday announced that Saturdays will not be working days for higher secondary and vocational higher secondary students in the state. However, there will be 13 working Saturdays for other classes.