Min: State considering colour dress day in schools

T’puram: General education minister N Samsudheen said the state was actively considering a proposal to allow govt and aided school students to wear colour dress once a week. He said he supported the demand from students, but a final decision would be taken after consultations with school teachers’ unions and academic experts. The minister was speaking to reporters at the press club on Monday.

He said state govt would soon work out the modalities for implementing the three-day menstrual leave for girls each month. The decision had sparked a debate both in favour of and against the idea. The minister said menstrual leave was a policy decision.

“We did not conceive it as a three-day compulsory leave; those who require the same may avail it. There are girls who suffer physical problems during those days. Also, there could be students who do not have such difficulties. A final decision will be taken after considering all aspects,” said the minister, adding that people debated the negative aspects of the holiday more.

Samsudheen said UDF’s stance on Centre’s ‘PM SHRI’ scheme was clear. Govt was examining whether it was possible to unilaterally withdraw from the scheme that was signed during the previous govt’s tenure. The education secretary appointed to study the matter had submitted a report to the govt. The minister said the final decision on implementing the scheme would be made after discussing the report at the next cabinet meeting.

As part of efforts to improve the quality of education, govt will form a committee comprising academic experts. Samsudheen said it was disgraceful that many students could not write properly even after completing their tenth grade and emphasized that the focus must be on raising educational standards. He said govt would address complaints related to appointments and rank lists in the education sector as well as vacancies in schools without head teachers.

Some parts of Khader Committee report that the previous govt implemented were already in effect during its tenure. If those measures create practical difficulties or challenges, govt will hold detailed discussions with prominent and experienced individuals in the academic field, he added.