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The Hindu
11 hours ago
- Science
- The Hindu
Kerala regains lost ground to emerge second in National Achievement Survey
Kerala has improved its ranking to second in the National Achievement Survey, renamed PARAKH Rashtriya Sarveskshan, conducted in 2024. Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty, at a press conference here on Wednesday, said the survey results were a huge achievement for the State. It should be recalled that Kerala had made the gains despite the Union government holding back funds due to the State under Centrally sponsored education schemes. The State was ranked third in class III, first in class VI, and second in class IX. The survey was conducted by PARAKH in the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), in collaboration with CBSE, New Delhi, under the Union Ministry of Education in December to not only understand learning achievements of students but also assess the overall health of school education in the country. The last iteration of the survey in 2021 was conducted for classes III, V, VIII, and X. In 2024, students of classes III, VI, and IX were tested on Language, Mathematics, 'World Around Us,' Science, and Social Science. As many as 45,737 students from 1,644 schools in the State took part in the survey. Mr. Sivankutty said that in class III the State had improved its scores in 2024 as compared to that in 2021. In Language, Kerala's average was 75% while the national average was 64%. In 2021, the State average was 70%. In Mathematics, the State average in 2024 was 70%, while the national average was 60%. In 2021, the State score was 60%. In 2024, the State average for class VI in Language was 76% while the national average was 57%. In 2021, the State average for class V students in Language was 57%. In Mathematics, the State average for class VI students was 60%, while the national average was 46%. In 2021, the State average for class V students was 41, while the national average was 44%. In Science, the national average was 66, while the national average was 49% in 2024 for class VI students. In 2021, the State and the national average for class V students were 48%. In 2024, the State average in Language for class IX students was 74% while the national average was 54%. In 2021, the State average in Language for class VIII students was 57%. In Mathematics, the State average in 2024 for class IX students was 45% while the national average was 37%. In 2021, the State average for class VIII students was 31% while the national average was 36%. In Science, the State average in 2024 for class IX students was 53% and the national average 40%. In Social Science, the State average in 2024 was 51 and the national average was 40%. The Minister said that good progress had been seen in all subjects in class III and VI as also in class IX. These were the result of the work put in by students, teachers, parents, the department, and the government. Director of General Education Shanavas S. said the survey results showed that the State had regained lost ground quickly. Only some points separated it from the leader Punjab in class III results. In class VI, both States were tied, and in class IX there was only a difference of one percentage point between the two States. 'We have excelled in all parameters. We will further boost the comprehensive quality education programme and any lacunae that remained last year will be addressed,' he said.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Minister Sivankutty releases poetry compilation
In an inspiring account of lifelong learning and literary passion, Chandramani Amma of Neyyattinkara released her first poetry collection Ente Swarnamantharapoovu at the office of General Education Minister V. Sivankutty here on Tuesday. Mr. Sivankutty presented the first copy of the book to former Neyyattinkara Municipal councillor Jaya Dali M.V. Sharing the motivating story on his official Facebook page, the Minister highlighted Ms. Chandramani Amma's remarkable journey through the State's literacy programmes. She began her formal education only in her later years through the Kerala State Literacy Mission. Having successfully passed the Class 10 equivalency examination with first-class marks when she was 70 years old and later completed her Plus Two studies, she is now making her mark as a poet. The poetry collection features 15 of her original works and was published by the Neyyattinkara Municipality. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sivankutty praised her journey as a shining example of what can be achieved through determination and the support of inclusive educational initiatives. 'Chandramani Amma's achievement is a powerful message to society that age is no barrier when the thirst for knowledge and expression is strong.'
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Don't dictate terms: Min on Zumba row
1 2 3 4 5 T'puram/Kozhikode: Education minister V Sivankutty said no one should dictate terms on what should be done in public schools. If anyone has any issues, they should discuss them with the govt. He stated that he would not accept any threat or warning from anyone regarding the Zumba row. "There is an elected govt to decide on academic and non-academic matters in govt schools," Sivankutty told reporters in the capital. The govt is ready to have a discussion on the steps taken, but on issues commonly known to all, the govt won't allow anyone to dictate terms that go against the secular nature of the country, he added. The comments and behaviour on Zumba actually ridiculed lakhs of students and teachers who take part in the dance. "There is controversy on school uniforms, on dress code, and that boys and girls are dancing together. There are associations to decide the dress code of sportspersons; school uniforms are decided by the PTA," he said. "There were requests not to hold exams on Saturdays because some groups said they can't use pen and paper on that day. Such things will inconvenience a large number of people. We're ready to bring changes that are justified." The Zumba Association held a Zumba flash mob protest in front of the Secretariat against the attempts to target the fitness cardio programme in the name of dressing and terming it DJ entertainment. Minister Sivankutty took part in the protest. Differences among Muslim bodies Some Muslim organizations which had stringently opposed the introduction of Zumba in schools appear to be softening their stance now even as differences of opinion have emerged among other Muslim bodies over the matter. Kerala Naduvathul Mujahideen (KNM) state president T P Abdulla Koya Madani said on Sunday the controversy was unnecessary and suggested that it was created by those who heard Zumba for the first time now. Madani said KNM did not support stoking controversy over the issue, especially at the very start of the academic year, in a way that risked communal overtones. "At the organisational level, we are sad over the moves which have taken place at the commencement of the academic year itself, making people think about it in a communal manner," he said, adding that the state govt was the one which was open to examining the matter and holding discussions if there was anything in Zumba which should be opposed. Asked whether KNM opposed introduction of Zumba in schools, Madani said KNM did not have a stand of completely opposing any new reform. "It can be examined if there is anything in it which should be opposed. Creative suggestions can be put before the govt," he said. IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty said no religious organization was against organizing physical activity in schools. "The organizations had only sought clarity on some doubts and concerns over the matter. The govt has now clarified that Zumba is not compulsory and is optional. I spoke to the education minister and he said that steps would be taken to clear the doubts," Kunhalikutty said. He said instead of providing clarifications on the points raised, it is improper to brand the organizations as extremists. EK Sunni leader Nasser Faizi Koodathayi said there was no need for opposition if there is an option to engage in exercises without mixed-gender format and by upholding one's own culture. "Our issue is when it is forcefully imposed," said Koodathayi.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Row on Zumba in schools: Kerala education minister says govt will not accept threats or interference
1 2 3 T'puram/Kozhikode: Education minister V Sivankutty said no one should dictate terms on what should be done in public schools. If anyone has any issues, they should discuss them with the govt. He stated that he would not accept any threat or warning from anyone regarding the Zumba row. "There is an elected govt to decide on academic and non-academic matters in govt schools," Sivankutty told reporters in the capital. The govt is ready to have a discussion on the steps taken, but on issues commonly known to all, the govt won't allow anyone to dictate terms that go against the secular nature of the country, he added. The comments and behaviour on Zumba actually ridiculed lakhs of students and teachers who take part in the dance. "There is controversy on school uniforms, on dress code, and that boys and girls are dancing together. There are associations to decide the dress code of sportspersons; school uniforms are decided by the PTA," he said. "There were requests not to hold exams on Saturdays because some groups said they can't use pen and paper on that day. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 파고다 방학집중반 오픈 파고다어학원 더 알아보기 Undo Such things will inconvenience a large number of people. We're ready to bring changes that are justified." The Zumba Association held a Zumba flash mob protest in front of the Secretariat against the attempts to target the fitness cardio programme in the name of dressing and terming it DJ entertainment. Minister Sivankutty took part in the protest. Differences among Muslim bodies Some Muslim organizations which had stringently opposed the introduction of Zumba in schools appear to be softening their stance now even as differences of opinion have emerged among other Muslim bodies over the matter. Kerala Naduvathul Mujahideen (KNM) state president T P Abdulla Koya Madani said on Sunday the controversy was unnecessary and suggested that it was created by those who heard Zumba for the first time now. Madani said KNM did not support stoking controversy over the issue, especially at the very start of the academic year, in a way that risked communal overtones. "At the organisational level, we are sad over the moves which have taken place at the commencement of the academic year itself, making people think about it in a communal manner," he said, adding that the state govt was the one which was open to examining the matter and holding discussions if there was anything in Zumba which should be opposed. Asked whether KNM opposed introduction of Zumba in schools, Madani said KNM did not have a stand of completely opposing any new reform. "It can be examined if there is anything in it which should be opposed. Creative suggestions can be put before the govt," he said. IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty said no religious organization was against organizing physical activity in schools. "The organizations had only sought clarity on some doubts and concerns over the matter. The govt has now clarified that Zumba is not compulsory and is optional. I spoke to the education minister and he said that steps would be taken to clear the doubts," Kunhalikutty said. He said instead of providing clarifications on the points raised, it is improper to brand the organizations as extremists. EK Sunni leader Nasser Faizi Koodathayi said there was no need for opposition if there is an option to engage in exercises without mixed-gender format and by upholding one's own culture. "Our issue is when it is forcefully imposed," said Koodathayi.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Kerala govt. firm on Zumba in schools, seeks an end to controversy
The Kerala government dug in its heels on Sunday regarding its decision to introduce Zumba sessions in government schools, despite criticism from certain Muslim social organisations and clerics who argued that the aerobic fitness dance format was patently against Islamic precepts. However, the administration also cautioned society against allowing the controversy to escalate into an alienating culture war. Several Muslim organisations sought to moderate the controversy in larger civic interest. For one, the Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama (EK faction) leader Nasar Faisi Kudathai welcomed Mr. Sivankutty's statement. Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen (KNM) State president T.P. Abdulla Koya Madani urged clerics to refrain from making divisive statements. Meanwhile, General Education Minister V. Sivankutty messaged the government resolve to introduce Zumba in schools. He stood by in solidarity as Zumba fans turned out in strength in front of the Secretariat to showcase the popular exercise format. Instructors guided the adults and children, including families, as they gyrated and gambolled to upbeat music. Against divisiveness He urged society to put an end to the divisive controversy. He said the extreme right fringe, irrespective of their religious hues, sought to inject communalism and divisiveness into the younger generation by attempting to arbitrate on uniform codes, holidays, class hours, and examination timings. 'Such schismatic ruses will not pass muster in secular and progressive Kerala. Students are free to choose not to attend Zumba classes. Attendance is not linked to marks or evaluation of academic performance,' he said. How the dispute began The dispute erupted after the Wisdom Islamic Organisation and the Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), including some ultra-conservative Islamist clerics, opposed the government's move. Some clerics equated Zumba to 'lewd and skimpily clad DJ party dancing' on social media. They ruled that the exercise format violated the lifestyle regulations codified in Islamic law and undermined family and religious values. The Muslim Students Federation (MSF) requested that the government provide evidence that Zumba could prevent drug and alcohol abuse before making the fitness dance form mandatory in schools. However, the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP), a prominent social organisation for Hindu backwards classes, backed the government's move. SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan told reporters in Alappuzha: 'Those opposing Zumba should step back. If someone says there is an attempt to turn Kerala into a religious State, they would not be entirely wrong.' The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) urged the government not to bow to the whims and fancies of Islamist groups as part of the Left Democratic Front's (LDF) 'appeasement politics'. However, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader V. Muraleedharan questioned the wisdom of introducing an exercise format 'alien to India and its culture' into the State school curriculum. The Youth Congress, Students' Federation of India (SFI), and Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) denounced the move to impose religious considerations on sports and art forms.
