Kerala   

Fine tune the system for maximum efficiency

The old system of Plus One admissions had us worried for years. This year it receded because we had everything we wanted in a nutshell. On paying Rs.10, we got a detailed account of courses, schools and a lot of options. We daresay it is innovative and worthy of continued support. The government has been fairly successful in improving the efficacy of the system. The government moved fast with determination in implementing the single window system, equally benefiting the rich and the poor. The so-called technical hitches can be remedied in due course. Now, the curry of good flavour is ready; whether it suits the individual appetite can sometimes be a sign of political illness.

A.C. Jayarajan

Kanhangad

The single window system for admission to the Plus One stage which was implemented throughout the State this academic year was earlier tried on an experimental basis in Thiruvananthapuarm district and found to be a good and foolproof system. Any reform in any field will involve minor hitches and there is absolutely nothing that is free of problems. Transparency enables parents and children to know what is being done in the selection and admission process unlike the old system where they remained in the dark and the undeserving could get admitted on the basis of money power. With the new system, the corruption in admission can be eradicated once and for all.

K.K. Kunhikannan

Koyilandy

The single window system of admission to the Plus One stage has many merits and demerits. On the merit side, allotment of merit seats and seats for socially backward students is done without any manipulation. Also, students get a chance to pursue their studies in the nearest school. But, it is a time consuming process. Students who get admission in the second, third or fourth allotments lose many days’ classes. As there will be a public exam for Plus One students this year, this process may adversely affect their results. If the allotment is done within two weeks it will be very beneficial.

Rajasree B.

Pathanamthitta

The single window admission process for Plus One is a radical departure from the entrenched decentralised approach. The former is more inclusive in the sense that it accommodates individual preferences based on merit and availability of vacancies. The latter vests the institution with more discretion. The single window concept is also intended to democratise the process by curbing the tendency of private schools to cherry pick the cream among the students

This year’s single window allotment has by and large met the objectives. However, many deficiencies have been exposed. It is reported that accessing the Internet was difficult for some sections. Many seats reportedly remain vacant. Students with low marks have been left high and dry. The government needs to create more seats in deficit pockets to expand the choice.

The system per se is unexceptionable. It is the implementation part which is more difficult. Any new system takes some time to stabilise and glitches are inevitable in the initial phases. Continuous fine tuning of the processes based on feedbacks from all the stakeholders can rectify the anomalies.

V.N. Mukundarajan

Thiruvananthapuram

The centralised mode of admission to different schools imparts a unitary character to the whole admission proceedings. Moreover, a student can file a single application form for any of the schools or subject combinations. Provision exists for students getting lower options to wait for higher options. This paves the way for allotting the vacated options to other students. The results of the selections are available on the website, making the process more transparent.

The new system is sure to be popular among students and parents. It merits extension to the entire State. Other States also can emulate it.

N. Sadasivan Pillai

By e-mail

The Kerala government is proud as a peacock in implementing a new educational system in the State and telling that it is a success, barring minor hitches.

Though it has brought changes in the educational system and has produced good results in the point of view of the government, the people are finding it difficult to get used to. Many poor students did not get a proper place which would be conducive for their studies and are sitting at home. There are other students who have no idea of studying further.

These kind of revolutionary changes always affect the marginalised people in our society. This single window system restricts the freedom of students and put the parents into trouble. A student may get admission to a school where he or she may not feel at ease. He or she may have to travel a long distance to reach the school. Such factors are quite distracting.

I suggest that the government take remedial measures to provide a good educational system which would convince the people.

Jaya Prakash

By e-mail

The implementation of the single window system takes away the freedom of students who are mature enough to take their own decisions. Students know what is best for them. So if someone else decides to choose the school for them, it may become a curse for some students. Knowing this, the government should drop the idea of implementing the single window system.

Suman Balu

Thiruvananthapuram

The initiative taken by the Government of Kerala on the single window system for Plus One admissions should be seen as a bold and revolutionary step towards modernisation. This has given a choice to the students to opt for the fields of their interest. It also has provision for preferences in order of priority. However, students should know what the openings are in each field. They should be made aware of the challenges of each occupation. Renowned social organisations can help a lot in this. The government may involve voluntary organisations well in advance so that a structured programme can be served to the students.

N.R.U.K. Kartha

Thiruvananthapuram

The number of students enrolling for higher secondary education in government and government-aided schools is falling because of the imposition of the single window system.

Parents and student have already been put to a lot of inconvenience. The system does not give them any confidence that they will get the admission. Even if they do, place and distance impose lots of practical difficulties on them.

Therefore, the government should reconsider revising this single window system. Unless the performance and infrastructure facilities at government and aided schools are improved, they will not give any credence to parents and students.

M. Christu

Thiruvanathapuram

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