Thiruvananthapuram: A specialized draft law has been developed by the government to bring about significant changes in school teaching positions and the overall administrative framework of the education department. This reform, as per the recommendations of the Khader committee report, eliminates the traditional ‘high school’ segment. Instead, high school and higher secondary levels will be amalgamated into a unified ‘Secondary school’ encompassing classes from 8 to 12. Moreover, the reform proposes the assignment of Panchayat education officers to oversee the academic aspects of primary schools up to class 7.
Under this restructuring, teachers will no longer be designated exclusively for high schools, and distinctions between junior and senior positions in higher secondary appointments will be eliminated. Educators in the consolidated secondary section will be responsible for guiding students across classes 8 to 12. Additionally, possessing a Post Graduation degree and professional qualifications will be mandatory for recruitment.
Candidates aspiring to teach below the secondary level must hold a degree along with professional credentials. Recruitment for classes 5 to 7 will be based on subject expertise. The teaching workforce will be categorized into five groups: pre-primary, primary, secondary, work education, and specialist teachers. These recruitment revisions are slated for full implementation by June 1, 2030, to minimize disruption to existing teachers.
Furthermore, teachers and officials from the DPI Higher Secondary and VHSE departments will be categorized into two groups: Kerala General Education subordinate service and Kerala General Education state service. Amendments to the Kerala Education Rules (KER) will be introduced to enforce these changes in the aided sector.