Remarkable Transformation in Education & Work Culture
V. Sivankutty
Minister for General Education and Labour
Kerala has achieved significant milestones in general education and labour, serving as an exemplary model for the nation and the world. The Pothu Vidyabhyasa Samrakshana Yajnam, launched in the academic year 2017–18 as part of the Nava Keralam action plan, paved a new future for the government and aided schools in Kerala. As continuation of this, the Vidyakiranam Project was launched in the second term and it further emboldened advancements in the general education sector. Initiatives such as the Pothu Vidyabhyasa Samrakshana Yajnam, Vidyakiranam, hi-tech classrooms, the Subject Minimum scheme and curriculum reform have all contributed meaningfully to the improvement of education quality. Simultaneously, decisive actions taken by the Kerala government to promote a sustainable work culture and safeguard labour rights have brought about substantial progress in the sector.
REVIVAL OF GENERAL EDUCATION
Strengthening the Foundation
Over ₹5,000 crore has been invested to enhance infrastructure in the general education sector. ₹2,565 crore was sanctioned for the construction of 973 new school buildings through KIIFB, of which 513 have been completed. Renovation work in government and aided schools has created a more conducive learning environment for students.
Integration of Technology
More than 50,000 classrooms have been upgraded into high-tech classrooms, offering high-quality learning opportunities for all students. Robotics, tinkering labs and AI training have been introduced in school education. Kerala has been recognised by UNICEF as a model state for expanding digital learning through KITE Victers.
Ensuring Quality Education
T he Subject Minimum scheme is implemented in Class 8 from 2024–25, Class 9 from 2025–26 and Class 10 from 2026–27. T he recommendations of the Education for Excellence report, formulated by Prof. M.A. Khader Committee, have been implemented.
Child Protection and Welfare
Textbooks and uniforms are distributed before the commencement of the academic year. Kerala’s mid-day meal scheme continues to be a national model. T he ‘School Health Card’ project is in its final phase. It aims to further enhance student health care and stands as a unique initiative.
Reforms in School Sports and Arts Festivals
Kerala is the only state to have organised the world’s largest school sports meet. T he manual for State School Youth Festival has been revised and indigenous art forms have been included as competition items. This goes a long way in the preservation of these art forms.
Creating More Job Opportunities
A total of 714 Vocational Higher Secondary Education (VHSE) labs have been modernised. Placement has been secured for 4,891 students who completed VHSE.
Comprehensive Quality Education Programme
A revolutionary leap has been achieved in the infrastructure development in public schools. To match this, academic excellence and quality improvement are necessary. The ‘Comprehensive Quality Education Scheme’ is a new initiative launched as part of this effort. ₹37.80 crore has been allocated in the state budget for its implementation.
Teachers’ Training
era. Residential teacher training programmes are being conducted and new training programs have been launched for teachers entering the profession.
Enhancing Educational Outcomes for Tribal Students
Curriculum Reform- A Guide for Future Generations
A special initiative under the Directorate of Public Education, in collaboration with local self-governments and the Scheduled Tribes Department, is being implemented to improve academic performance and examination outcomes for tribal students studying in government schools.
Upliftment of Differently-Abled Children
T he budget has allocated ₹62 crore for institutions supporting children with disabilities—₹12 crore more than the previous year. This initiative aims to provide individualised care, age-appropriate support and necessary resources to empower both students and special educators.
Model Schools
T he Model School Project aims to enhance the overall well-being of learners, promote professionalism among teachers, improve school quality and create a robust learning support system. In its first phase, one school in each district will implement the project.
Strengthening Educational Agencies
Around ten agencies operate under the Department of General Education and the Vidyakiranam Mission operates as part of the Nava Keralam Action Plan. A comprehensive plan is in place to strengthen these agencies and implement projects to further empower the public education sector.
Setting a Benchmark in the Labour Sector
Kerala stands as a model for employment protection and workers’ rights. Policies that boost job opportunities and ensure worker protection have fostered a high standard of work culture.
Increasing Employment Opportunities
Employment opportunities have seen a significant increase since 2016. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), female labour force participation has risen to 36.4%. T he unemployment rate has dropped from 11.4% to 7.2%.
Ensuring High Wage Rates
Minimum wages have been fixed in 85 employment sectors. Welfare benefits have been extended to over 70 lakh labourers.
Labour Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
A system has been established for workers and the public to submit complaints through the ‘Job Seva App’. Out of 28,000 registered labour disputes, 25,000 have been resolved.
Skill Development
Job training has been provided through the ‘Karmachari’ and ‘Navashakthi’ schemes. The ‘Karmachari’ scheme integrates employment with education for students, while the Navashakthi scheme offers modernised training for traditional porters handling goods. These efforts have opened up new employment opportunities with better pay.
Social Security for Immigrant Workers
Decent housing, insurance and accidental death benefits have been provided to immigrant workers. Shramik Bandhu Facilitation Centres have been established to strengthen their protection.
Achievements of the Department of Labour (2016–2024)
■ 1,01,614 individuals secured government jobs. ■ 41,847 individuals received financial assistance under the self-employment scheme. ■ 78,009 individuals secured private sector jobs. ■ ₹1,700 crore disbursed as loan assistance. ■ Employment loan assistance provided to 9,395 differently abled individuals.
Expansion of ITIs
Kerala established 27 new government ITIs, 12 international standard ITIs, 19 production centres, and an insurance scheme covering 32,000 trainees. T he achievements in both general education and labour sectors are testament to the collective efforts of teachers, parents, students and the government. In the labour sector, Kerala has demonstrated how employers and workers can be brought together through government policy. T his spirit of collective effort is Kerala’s strength.