Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala's Education Minister V. Sivankutty has confirmed that the state government will go ahead with the newly implemented school timing adjustments, despite opposition from certain religious organisations. The Minister made the statement following discussions held with representatives from various religious and school management bodies.

The revision will see school classes start at 9:45 AM instead of 10:00 AM, with the first period ending by 10:30 AM. The decision has sparked mixed reactions, particularly from Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, one of the state's prominent Muslim organisations, which had raised objections. This led the Education Department to initiate consultations with multiple stakeholders.

Speaking to the media, Sivankutty said the current decision would stand and that the government had received largely positive responses from the majority of organisations consulted. “Some did express concerns about the practical challenges of implementation, but overall, most welcomed the decision,” the Minister noted.

He also downplayed the controversy, stating, “We are only talking about a 15-minute change. There is no need for undue resistance over such a minor adjustment.”

The Education Department had called a meeting of major school management associations to address concerns. Representatives from CMS, KPSMA, the Aided School Managers’ Association, Madrasa Board, Muslim Educational Society, LMS, SNDP-run schools, and both EK and AP factions of Samastha, among others, attended the discussions.

The Minister explained the rationale behind the change and invited feedback from the stakeholders. Some suggested extending classes by half an hour in the evening instead, but others pointed out the difficulties that may arise with that approach.

Following the discussions, leaders from Samastha stated that the Minister was open to incorporating their concerns. They also mentioned that he indicated potential for reviewing the decision in the next academic year, allowing time for further deliberation.

The Education Department maintains that it is not inclined to entertain ongoing protests or complaints, particularly regarding changes made within the public education sector.