Thiruvananthapuram: The Left government in Kerala on Wednesday said it is open to discussion if any group faces difficulties following the announcement of new school timings for high schools in the state.

The development comes after Muslim scholar and president of Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, Jifri Muthukoya Thangal, voiced apprehension that the revised schedule could disrupt madrassa education for nearly 12 lakh students. Thangal raised the issue during an event in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Samastha Kerala Jamiyyatthul Ulama, known as Samastha, is an association of eminent Sunni scholars who enjoy the highest support base among Kerala Muslims.

General Education Minister V Sivankutty responded to the concerns by stating that the government remains open to discussions and is prepared to consider changes if required.

The revised timings, announced earlier in the day, extend the school day by 15 minutes in both the morning and evening sessions, except on Fridays.

Under the new schedule, high school classes will run from 9.15 am to 4.15 pm.

Talking to a news channel, Sivankutty said the government is under no compulsion on this matter.

He said this was not framed by the Education Department on the basis of a government decision, but follows a court directive and a commission's decision.

"Still, if any section faces difficulties due to the new timings, the government will hold discussions with them and put in place a system that does not cause difficulties to anyone," Sivankutty said.

PTI