The Hindu : Front Page : Single-window system this year

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Wednesday, Apr 30, 2008
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Single-window system this year

Special Correspondent

In all government and aided schools

Thiruvananthapuram: Education Minister M.A. Baby has said that the single window system for higher secondary admission will be implemented in all government and aided schools this year.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Mr. Baby said criticism from responsible leaders against the new system was unfortunate. In the case of institutions managed by minority and Backward Class communities, the single window system will not be applicable to management quota and the respective managements would continue to enjoy the right to admit students to 40 per cent and 30 per cent of the seats they are entitled to.

The Minister, disclosing the outcome of a meeting he held with various teachers’ organisations, said the government had decided to distribute textbooks free of cost to students up to eighth standard. The number of textbooks will be reduced. From this academic year, there will be only one terminal examination besides the annual examination. Prices of textbooks for class 9 and 10 have been revised, he said.

Protected teachers will be redeployed as part of the government’s attempt to end the shift system in schools. It has been decided to give emphasis to teachers’ training with a view to improving the quality of teaching.

The Minister said the results of the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examination would be announced on May 13 and that of the Higher Secondary and Vocational Higher Secondary examinations on May 15. Steps will be taken to complete the Save A Year (SAY) examinations before school reopening, he said.

The government is working towards beginning Plus One classes by June 18, he said.

Replying to Opposition criticism to the single window system, he said students would get 60 options for seats and only one application form need be submitted.

The only section that would be affected would be those who auction seats, he remarked, the Education Minister said.

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