Kerala Education Minister Raises Concerns Over CBSE Answer Sheet Evaluation
Kerala’s General Education Minister, N. Shamsuddeen, has voiced serious concerns regarding the evaluation process of CBSE answer sheets. He alleged that negligence in the assessment system is causing significant distress among students. The state government has decided to approach the central government, urging intervention to address these issues promptly.
During a conversation with a television channel, Minister Shamsuddeen stated that the state administration would formally request the central government to extend the deadline for the revaluation process. He emphasized that the alleged carelessness in evaluating answer books could have severe consequences for students’ academic futures, yet the board appears to be overlooking this critical aspect.
Government Seeks Extension for Revaluation and Student Relief
The Minister highlighted that the current evaluation flaws are not minor administrative issues but matters that directly impact young learners’ careers. He expressed disappointment that the board has not adequately acknowledged the gravity of the situation. The state government is now pushing for a revised timeline so that students who have been affected by potential marking errors can seek corrections without unnecessary hurdles.
Shamsuddeen further noted that the state would escalate this matter to the highest levels, ensuring that the concerns of students and parents are heard. The demand for a transparent and accurate evaluation mechanism remains a top priority for the Kerala government.
Textbook Distribution Update Ahead of New Academic Session
Addressing another pressing issue, the Minister provided an update on the availability of textbooks for government schools. He acknowledged that there were initial delays in the printing process, which raised concerns about distribution before schools reopen on June 1. However, he assured that these obstacles have been largely resolved.
According to the Minister, the printing work is now nearly complete, and the authorities are actively dispatching books to various depots across the state. The goal is to ensure that every student receives their study materials on time for the upcoming academic year.
Assurance from Kerala Books and Publications Society
Shamsuddeen revealed that the Kerala Books and Publications Society (KBPS) has given a firm commitment to the government. All textbooks are expected to reach schools by May 30 or even earlier. He expressed confidence in the monitoring mechanisms currently in place, stating that the government is closely tracking the distribution process.
“We are fully confident that by the time schools open on June 1, all necessary books for every class will be available,” the Minister said. He reiterated that no student should face a shortage of learning materials at the start of the new term.
Addressing Shortage of Seats in Class 11
The Minister also spoke about the ongoing issue of insufficient seats for Class 11 students, particularly in the Malabar region. This problem has been most prominent in districts such as Malappuram, Palakkad, and select areas within Malabar. Shamsuddeen explained that the immediate solution involves creating additional batches to accommodate the rising number of students.
He informed that around 350 extra batches are already in place and are maintained on a yearly basis. For this academic year, the government has decided to slightly increase the number of these batches to manage the initial allocation of students. If seat shortages persist, adding more batches will remain the only viable short-term option given the time constraints.
Long-Term Solutions Under Discussion
The Minister mentioned that a permanent resolution to this problem is being developed in consultation with the Chief Minister and other stakeholders. The government is looking at sustainable measures to prevent such capacity issues in the future, ensuring that students in all regions have equal access to higher secondary education.
Position on PM SHRI Scheme
Regarding the PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) scheme, Minister Shamsuddeen clarified the government’s stance. The previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the central government for this initiative and had also received funds. However, the same government later wrote to the Centre requesting a postponement of the scheme’s implementation.
The Minister explained that this contradictory situation requires careful deliberation. “We need to decide our next steps after discussions with the Chief Minister and the Left Democratic government,” he said. The key question is whether the state can withdraw from the MoU, especially since funds have already been received from the central government.
Shamsuddeen emphasized that the government must weigh its options carefully, considering both the educational philosophy of the state and the financial implications of the agreement. The final decision will be made after thorough consultations with all relevant parties.
