Knowledge-Driven Inclusive Kerala
Dr R. Bindu
Minister for Higher Education and Social Justice
Kerala’s holistic transformation through educational reforms, digital innovations, and inclusive welfare policies is advancing its status as a knowledge-driven, socially inclusive society.
Kerala, under its transformative Navakerala initiative, is steadfastly advancing towards becoming a knowledge-driven society while ensuring that the welfare of marginalised communities is upheld. With significant developments in higher education and social justice over the past four years, the state has embraced an integrated approach where progress in knowledge creation is aligned with social welfare, making it a true “Knowledge Kerala, Welfare Kerala.”
Four-Year Degree Programmes
Since the current administration took office, the government has approved nearly 1,000 undergraduate and over 200 postgraduate programs, along with the establishment of 73 new colleges, creating over 30,000 new seats. For the first time in history, a comprehensive curriculum framework has been established for higher education. Based on this, all universities under the Higher Education Department have implemented four-year undergraduate programmes (FYUGP). Additionally, a unified academic calendar has been introduced to ensure timely examinations and result announcements.
K-REAP: Revolutionising Education
A key step towards digital transformation in education has been the introduction of the Kerala Resource for Educational Administration and Planning (K-REAP) software, which aims to streamline student-related services. Kannur University has already implemented K-REAP to conduct semester exams and process results swiftly. Plans are underway to extend this model to other universities.
Skill Development and Career Planning
In order to equip students with essential skills for their careers, all higher education institutions are setting up Centres for Skill Development and Career Planning. A range of initiatives such as “Industry on Campus” and “Connect Career to Campus” have been rolled out in technical education institutions. In collaboration with the Industries Department, industrial parks are being established on campuses, and partnerships with the Startup Mission are fostering innovation. A significant investment has been made in a 50-acre research park at Vilappilsala, in collaboration with the College of Engineering, T hiruvananthapuram, which will focus on electric Kerala Knowledge Consortium From this academic year, Kerala Knowledge Consortium centres will be established in leading educational institutions. This initiative encourages collaboration between academia and society, encouraging research-driven solutions for societal challenges.
Accreditation and National Recognition
NAAC Accreditation Total accredited institutions: 92 A++ Grade Universities: University of Kerala, Mahatma Gandhi University A+ Grade Universities: Calicut University, CUSAT, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit Colleges Accreditation Status: A++ Grade: 28 colleges A+ Grade: 49 colleges A Grade: 82 colleges NIRF Rankings (National Level) Top 100 Universities: Kerala University (21), CUSAT (34), MG University (37), Calicut University (89) Overall Rankings: Kerala University (38), CUSAT (51), MG University (67) State Public University Rankings: Kerala (9), CUSAT (10), MG University (11), Calicut (43) Among India’s top-ranked colleges, 16 are from Kerala, with 42 colleges in the top 200 and 71 in the top 300. Notably, 16 government colleges have secured spots in the top 100. As of November 2024, 248 undergraduate programs in 63 engineering colleges, 21 postgraduate programs in five engineering colleges, and 38 programs across 11 polytechnic colleges have received accreditation from the National Board of Accreditation (NBA). The creation of the State Assessment and Accreditation Center (SAAC) modelled after NAAC and the Kerala Institutional Ranking Framework (KIRF), modelled after NIRF, are pivotal steps towards ensuring quality assurance across all institutions.
Infrastructure Development and Investments
A strong focus on improving infrastructure has led to the initiation of over Rs. 1,847 crore worth of projects, aimed at enhancing educational facilities through KIIFB. Additionally, substantial investments have been made under various schemes like RUSA Phase 1 and 2, amounting to Rs.433.28 crores have been completed. The PM-USHA scheme, and several other educational projects, improving the physical infrastructure of institutions. At Mahatma Gandhi University, Rs.280 crores has been allocated for the establishment of a Centre KERALA CALLING 2025 MAY 51 KERALA CALLING 2025 MAY 51 of Excellence, a Translational Research Centres, a research hostel, and an indoor stadium. Calicut University has received Rs.53.73 crores for various development projects through the plan fund. T he initial phase of the Malayalam University headquarters construction has been sanctioned ₹20 crore, and ₹12 crore has been allocated for building the Higher Education Council headquarters.
Scholarships and Research Support
To encourage academic excellence, Kerala has introduced a five-year scholarship program that covers students in undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields, with over Rs. 20.62 crore has been disbursed to date. Moreover, the Kairali Research Awards and Chief Minister’s Navakerala Post-Doctoral Fellowships are designed to promote research excellence. In the first phase, 77 fellowships were granted, followed by 68 in the second phase. As many as 31 fellowships were introduced under Mode-1, specifically for university-based translational research centres. Over Rs. 7.38 crore has been allocated for research-related support.
Centers of Excellence and Investment in Research
Kerala is investing heavily in Centers of Excellence across several universities. By setting up autonomous 52 KERALA CALLING 2025 MAY KERALA CALLING 2025 MAY inter-university research centers such as the Tanu Padmanabhan Centre of Excellence in Astronomy and Astrophysics, the Centre of Excellence in Neurodegeneration and Brain Health at CUSAT, and a Nano science and Nanotechnology Center at Mahatma Gandhi University. These initiatives aim to position Kerala as a hub for world-class research and innovation, with a total of Rs. 2,718 crore invested in the higher education sector in the past four years.
Creating Drug-Free Campuses
In response to growing concerns about student health and well being, Kerala has launched a Drug Awareness Campaign to ensure drug-free campuses. Additionally, the Jeevani Mental Health Programme has been introduced to address mental health challenges, promoting a healthier and more supportive environment for students.
Elderly Care and Senior-Friendly Kerala
With an aging population, Kerala has taken significant steps to improve the quality of life for its 52 senior citizens. This includes the establishment of a Senior Citizens’ Commission, the introduction of a toll-free helpline -Elder Line, and the creation of modernised elderly homes- Second Innings Home. The state has also launched programs like the Vayojana Web Portal, Vayoreksha crisis management ,Sayamprabha Homes, Vayomithram Programme and Ormathony providing critical support to senior citizens.
Disability-Inclusive Kerala
Kerala is committed to making the state barrier-free for individuals with disabilities. The government has introduced employment schemes, identified 1,452 job positions, and launched programs to distribute assistive devices such as visual aids, hearing aids, and electronic wheelchairs. Specialised programs like the ‘Kaazhcha Project’ and ‘Shravana Project’ are directly addressing the needs of the visually and hearing impaired. The ‘Shubhayatra scheme’ provides for electronic wheelchairs to the differently-abled . NISH and NIPMR have been recognised as centres of excellence in disability rehabilitation. Moreover, the state has focused on skill development for persons with disabilities, launching the Rhythm Art talent search initiative and several other programs aimed at fostering independence and inclusion. As a relief measure for victims of endosulfan poisoning, the ‘Sahajeevanam Sneha Gramam’ project has been launched in Mooliyar village, Kasaragod, with its first phase now operational.
Transgender Empowerment
Recognising the needs of the transgender community, Kerala has introduced several welfare schemes such as scholarships for transgender students, financial assistance for gender affirmation surgeries, and vocational training programs for self-sufficiency. T he state has also supported transgender cultural troupes and addressed mental health challenges through peer counseling initiatives. The ‘Varnnam scheme’, which provides financial aid for higher education, and other initiatives like Yatham, Sakalyam, Karuthal Samanwaya, Ananyam, Peer Counseling Training and Karuthal are helping the transgender community lead more fulfilling and independent lives.
NISH and NIPMR have been recognised as centres of excellence in disability rehabilitation
Student Excellence Awards
The Chief Minister’s Vidyarthi Pratibha Puraskaram has been launched to support meritorious students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.A total of Rs.20 crore has been allocated for these initiatives.