Hyderabad collector calls for U-shaped seating in schools to do away with back benches

The Hindu

15-07-2025

Hyderabad District Collector Hari Chandana Dasari has directed schools in the district to do away with back bench seating and adopt a 'U'-shaped arrangement in all classrooms. The seating arrangement in schools is in the news after a Malayalam movie 'Sthanarthi Sreekuttan' spotlighted how it shapes children.
During her inspection of the Tribal Welfare Water Sports Academy and Tribal Welfare Ashram Boys School in Bowenpally, Secunderabad, on Tuesday (July 15, 2025) the Collector said that back benches often distance students from teachers and lead to disengagement. 'To ensure every child is equally involved in learning, teachers must arrange classrooms in a U-shape without any back benches,' she said, adding that this layout fosters better interaction, especially in schools catering to marginalised communities.
The visit formed part of her review of infrastructure, sports training, digital education, and hostel facilities. The collector instructed officials to integrate sports training into the academic routine, identifying students' interests early and preparing them to compete at national and international levels. She congratulated students who recently won silver and bronze medals in boating competitions held in the Philippines.
The Collector highlighted that the state government views education and sports as complementary, and she urged schools to nurture both equally. She called for immediate steps to improve Class 10 results by organising special coaching in subjects like Mathematics and Physics for underperforming students. 'Form peer learning groups to help one another. Students must study with passion and lift each other,' she said.
The collector instructed schools to prioritise digital classrooms and computer lab use, particularly from Classes 6 to 10. She urged teachers to make use of the TSAT platform to broaden students' awareness on educational topics.