Kochi: General Education Minister N Samsudheen stated at a media conference in Malappuram that department heads have been directed to examine the status of the PM SHRI scheme. He noted that various perspectives are being heard, and while the previous government signed the PM SHRI Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), it must be verified whether unilateral withdrawal is possible after signing. The minister added that when controversy arose following the signing, the previous government wrote to temporarily halt the process. Now, the current government needs to consider how to proceed.
Political and Legal Considerations
The minister emphasized that this matter is also related to the policy of the United Democratic Front (UDF). It is a decision that needs to be made politically. After signing the MoU, the state received Rs 93 crore. Now, legal aspects need to be examined before a decision is taken. There is no change in the government's stance. It is not right for the central government to impose conditions on education, which is equally the right of both central and state governments. The UDF will decide politically, Samsudheen said.
Shortage of Plus One Seats
The minister acknowledged that there is a shortage of Plus One seats in some districts, with the crisis being most severe in Malappuram. A decision has been taken that this year's allotment will include additional batches. Instead of admitting students to additional batches after the regular batch allotment, admissions will be conducted simultaneously, including 350 additional batches. If shortages still persist, solutions will be found for those districts, the minister added.
Facilities and Relocation of Batches
Samsudheen stated that he assumed office at the beginning of the academic year. The primary consideration is to provide facilities for all students to study. When granting additional seats, facilities for them must also be arranged, which requires some time. There is a shortage in some districts. The previous government relocated vacant batches to where they were needed, and this practice will continue this year as well.
Textbook Printing and Distribution
The minister informed that the printing of textbooks is nearing completion. There was an issue with printing the rules because the corporation under the Tamil Nadu government was not paid. That has been resolved, and printing is being completed quickly. Every day, completed books are distributed to book depots and from there to schools. The printing centre distributes 3.5 lakh books per day, ensuring that books reach all schools by May 30.
Incorporating AI in Education
Samsudheen added that officials have been asked about the possibilities of incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into education. Currently, there are very few IT-related lessons in the syllabus. More AI lessons can be included through textbook revisions. AI cannot be ignored, he said.
Examination of Pass Practices
The minister also mentioned that if there is a practice of unnecessarily passing students, it will be examined.
