Thiruvananthapuram: Single-teacher schools in the state have become a thing of the past, with govt upgrading eight multi-grade learning centres (MGLCs) into lower primary schools.General education minister N Samsudheen announced the decision while inaugurating the state-level function at Melmuri Alternative School in Kizhisseri, Malappuram, on Friday. The upgrade is part of UDF govt’s 100-day programme. The upgraded schools include five alternative schools in the backward, hilly and tribal areas of Malappuram district along with one each in Kasaragod, Idukki and Kannur.The institutions will function as fully equipped lower primary schools with classrooms, a headmaster’s room and the required teaching posts, Samsudheen said. A vehicle would also be arranged for Melmuri school using funds from MP Priyanka Gandhi.Samsudheen said govt was implementing several initiatives to modernise the general education sector. Smart classroom facilities would be introduced in 6,000 lower primary and upper primary schools through the ‘Digital Square’ project, while artificial intelligence and robotics would be included in the high school curriculum.He said 120 additional Plus One batches were sanctioned in Malabar region along with special measures to address the shortage of seats, enabling nearly 10,000 students to continue their studies.The teacher-pupil ratio for creating posts of physical education teachers has also been reduced from 1:500 to 1:300, Samsudheen said. An expert committee has been appointed to recommend further reforms in the education sector.
