Samastha Group Opposes Extended School Hours in Kerala

Quick Summary:

• Issue Raised: The Samastha Kerala Madrasa Management Association (SKMMA), an affiliate of Sunni scholars’ forum, announced plans for agitation against the Kerala government’s decision on increased school working hours.
• Details of Change: Working hours for Classes VIII to X in government, aided, and unaided schools with State syllabus increased by 30 minutes total – 15 minutes each in the morning and afternoon – except Fridays. Aim is compliance with Right to Education Act standards of 220 days/1,100 annual instructional hours.
• Madrasas Impacted: SKMMA claims these changes disrupt madrasa schedules held from 6:30 or 7 a.m., making it tough for students attending both systems to manage their time effectively.
• Earlier Action and Government Response: SKMMA submitted concerns via memorandum to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan but asserts its pleas were ignored; officials argue only high school students are affected, which SKMMA disputes due to shared timing across various sections in some schools.
• Call for Dialog: K. moyinkutty of SKMMA suggested alternatives such as utilizing saturdays or part of summer vacation for instructional time instead of extending regular school hours.
• Upcoming Development: SKMMA will declare next steps during a public convention at Kozhikode Town Hall on July 10.

Indian Opinion analysis:

The dispute between the Left Democratic Front government and the Samastha Kerala Madrasa management Association highlights tensions over balancing educational policy goals with religious institutional operations. While extending working hours aligns with national standards set by the Right to Education Act, it evidently creates logistical challenges for madrasa students who already operate under tightly regulated schedules.The government’s move reflects a broader push toward improving academic outcomes through extended instructional time; however,ignoring stakeholder concerns risks alienating communities directly affected by such policies. The criticism that all grades within mixed-section schools may face unintended disruption further illustrates gaps in policy implementation planning.

Opening dialogue with groups like SKMMA coudl help identify flexible solutions-such as using vacation days-without compromising either educational requirements or religious commitments. Ensuring inclusivity within education reform efforts not only strengthens trust among diverse communities but also enhances long-term policy efficacy.

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