The Cabinet’s conditional approval of the second part of the Khader committee report on reforms in school education marks a significant step towards improving the quality of education in the country. The M.A. Khader-led committee was tasked with recommending reforms in the school education system, and the first part of the report led to the merger of three school directorates and the decision to bring Class I to XII under a single umbrella.
However, the initial recommendations faced opposition from teachers‘ organizations, particularly those in higher secondary education, who feared a decline in quality and job losses. Despite these challenges, the committee continued its work and submitted the second part of the report in 2022.
One of the key recommendations in the second part of the report is the proposal to make Saturdays a free day for students. This would allow students to engage in experiments, observations, reading, and group study, promoting a more holistic approach to education. Additionally, the committee suggests reevaluating school timings to better address the educational challenges of the second generation.
The report also addresses issues related to preschools and anganwadis, recommending that timings be decided by the local community to accommodate working parents. It suggests specific timings for different levels of education, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded education that includes art, sports, and other extracurricular activities.
In terms of assessment, the committee recommends the continuation of grace marks but suggests significant changes to how they are awarded. It also calls for a revision of staff fixation and teacher transfer policies to better align with the changing needs of the education system.
Overall, the Khader committee’s recommendations aim to improve the quality of education in schools and address the evolving challenges faced by the education system. By considering each recommendation carefully before finalizing a decision, the government can ensure that the reforms lead to positive outcomes for students, teachers, and the education system as a whole.