TheKeralagovernment has approved a draft proposal that could significantly change everyday school life for students across the state. The initiative focuses onreducing the weight of school bagsandremoving the traditional front–back seating dividein classrooms to promote inclusivity and student well-being.
General Education MinisterV Sivankuttysaid that the draft report was cleared by theState Curriculum Steering Committee, marking a key step toward making classrooms more democratic and child-friendly.
“A draft report proposing a reduction in the weight of school bags and creating classrooms without ‘backbenchers’ has been approved,” Sivankutty said, adding that the reforms are aimed at ensuring students’ happiness and mental comfort.
The proposal addresses two long-standing concerns in schools—overloaded school bagsand classroom layouts that often reinforce labels such as “front-benchers” and “backbenchers.” Education authorities believe these practices can negatively affect both physical health and self-esteem among students.
By rethinking seating arrangements, the state hopes to create learning spaces whereevery child feels equally included, regardless of academic performance or classroom position.
The draft report was prepared by theState Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT)after a detailed study involving education experts. The recommendations were examined for feasibility before being approved by the steering committee.
Before finalising the reforms, the Kerala government has invitedpublic feedbackto ensure broad participation in the decision-making process. The draft report will be made available on the SCERT website, allowingteachers, parents, students, and members of the publicto submit their views.
Feedback can be shareduntil January 20, after which the Department of General Education will review the suggestions and incorporate relevant inputs.
The proposed changes are expected to be implemented in schoolsfrom the next academic year, subject to the feedback received. If rolled out, the reforms could reshape classrooms across Kerala, placing greater emphasis onequality, comfort, and holistic developmentof students.
Education experts say the move reinforces Kerala’s reputation as a state willing to experiment withstudent-centric reformsthat prioritise well-being alongside academic learning.
