Excellence at Par: Education and Employment
“The state has seen unprecedented progress in the general education and employment sectors in the past decade, which form the two pillars of Kerala’s social development. The government has been implementing a comprehensive development policy that ensures top tier education alongside guaranteeing dignity and security of every worker.”
-V. Sivankutty
Minister for General Education and Labour
In the general education sector, the government has been giving significant priority to enhancing academic standards alongside the expansion of physical infrastructure. As part of this, the Subject Minimum programme is being implemented for classes 1 to 10, with the active participation of the public. In a landmark move towards curriculum reform, the Preamble of the Constitution has been incorporated into textbooks. Moreover, for the first time in history, the distribution of textbooks for upcoming academic years was successfully completed before the completion of the academic year. The physical and technological transformation of schools is equally noteworthy and is quite evident across the state. Out of 973 schools sanctioned through KIIFB, the construction of 588 school buildings has been completed. Further, 45,000 classrooms have been upgraded to hi-tech standards and 7,000 robotic labs have been established across 2,000 high schools. To ensure social integration, the Inclusive Sports Manual was introduced to bring children with disabilities into the mainstream. Administrative efficiency has also reached new heights, with the clearing of 44,059 pending files through file adalats, marking a 48 percent increase in efficiency. The appointment of 30,564 teachers during this period stands as a proud milestone for the state’s educational progress.
Important Milestones in Education sector
• The government has completed revision of textbooks for classes 1 to 10. The process for updating Higher Secondary textbooks has officially commenced.
• The state provides free training for competitive medical and engineering entrance examinations through the KITE Victers channel.
• To combat spread of misinformation, the Satyameva Jayate campaign was organised to promote digital media literacy, educating children how to effectively identify and verify fake news.
• Through Vidyakiranam initiative, 47,673 laptops were distributed and another 16,500 laptops through the Hi-Tech project. To bridge the digital divide in remote areas, 45,710 digital devices were specifically provided to students in hilly regions.
• The state has successfully set up 7,000 robotic labs across 2,000 high schools.
• High-end IT infrastructure has been established in 45,000 classrooms and laboratories across government and aided schools.
• In a unique community-focused move, four lakh mothers received specialised cyber security training led by KITE.
• During Covid pandemic, 18,000 classes were broadcast through the First Bell initiative. The G-Suite platform provided login access to 20 lakh children to ensure that learning never stopped.
• A total of 588 schools were constructed under KIIFB initiative. The construction of more than 400 school buildings is still on.
• The Varnakkoodaram project has been implemented to elevate 1,516 pre-primary schools to international standards.
• To impart scientific knowledge in students, Tinkering Labs have been established across the state.
• In a major push for inclusive employment, over 1,100 appointments have been provided to differently-abled individuals in aided schools.
• A total of Rs 27.61-crore has been distributed to settle LSS-USS scholarship arrears that had been pending since 2019.
• The government decided to implement Health Cards for all school children. As part of the Midday Meal Scheme, comprehensive health check-ups have been completed in 100 percent children.
• For children from the Tribal Communities, the Kinavu Project initiative is specifically designed to support the aspirations of tribal children. Following a successful model in Wayanad, the School Enrichment programme is being implemented in 50 schools to provide additional academic support.
• To ensure that every child receives equal attention and consideration, the seating arrangements in classrooms have been redesigned. This move aims to eliminate the traditional backbencher concept and foster a more engaging learning environment for all.
Protection and Care in the Labour Sector
The Labour Department has been undertaking exemplary initiatives to ensure that knowledge acquired through education is effectively utilised in the employment sector while safeguarding the welfare of the workforce. Kerala is the only state in the country to have officially declared minimum wages across 85 employment sectors. The state holds the number one position in India for the daily wage rates provided to rural labourers. The government also implemented Income Support Scheme for the traditional sector. Kerala stands out as the only state in the country to give away awards for professional excellence and also for maintenance of high-quality workplaces. To further enhance security and support for women in their workplaces, the government has launched Sahaja call centres. The Athidhi App was introduced for the systematic collection of data and welfare of guest workers, alongside the Kavach anti-drug campaign. Kerala has also become the first state in the country to introduce a government-sector online auto-taxi service, Kerala Savari, marking a significant milestone in the labour sector. Kerala’s Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) have emerged as models for the nation in the field of skill development, with students achieving remarkable success, including gold medals at the India Skills national competition. The government has constructed new buildings for 21 ITIs and formed Skill Task Forces across 91 ITIs. Further, the Karmachari project has been envisaged to bridge the gap between education and employment. The scheme emphasises earn while you learn philosophy by allowing students to gain valuable work experience while they pursue their studies.
Important Milestones in Labour sector
• Kerala has emerged as the only state in the country to institutionalise awards for both individual labour excellence and the best workplaces. Thozhilali Shreshta award, which comprises a cash prize of one lakh rupees is given to outstanding workers across 19 different sectors. The government has also introduced Chief Minister’s Excellence Award, Vajra and Suvarna Awards.
• Through the implementation of the Advanced Information Interface System (AIIS), the government has successfully transitioned the operations of 16 Welfare Fund Boards under a single online umbrella. • For the welfare of migrant labourers, the government initiated AAWAS Health Insurance scheme, Shramik Bandhu Facilitation Centres, Athidhi app and portal.
• To support female workers in urban centres, the government has introduced rental studio apartments and Janani Housing Scheme.
• The pension age for plantation workers has been raised from 58 to 60 years.
• Through employment exchanges, the government facilitated the appointment of 43,152 individuals, including 8,293 permanent positions and 34,859 temporary roles.
• Through Employability Centres, 16,702 individuals secured employment in the private sector.
• The state has disbursed over Rs 62 crore in loans and financial support to 14,129 beneficiaries under various self-employment schemes.
• Comprehensive insurance guaranteed for 32,000 trainees.
• To enhance the healthcare facilities available to the workforce, the state has established Post-operative ICU units in six ESI hospitals
• e-Sanjeevani Telemedicine programme has been implemented for Factory workers
• Training was imparted to 7013 persons through Centres of Excellence and 3107 got job placements through specialised institutions
• The government has initiated measures to upgrade ten government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) to international standards through KIIFB funding.
The government remains steadfast in its commitment in shaping outstanding citizens through education and ensuring that they have access to dignified employment. As our educational institutions and workplaces evolve into centres of excellence, they serve as the driving force behind reconstruction of a Nava Keralam.