Government Announces Additional 138 Batches To Address Kerala's Plus One Seat Shortage (Photo @VSivankuttyCPIM)
Addressing the years-long seat shortages of the higher secondary schools in Kerala’s Malappuram and Kasaragod, the state government today decided to allot 138 additional batches in these two districts. While speaking at the assembly, Education Minister V Sivankutty announced the government’s move to temporarily sanction 120 batches in 74 schools in Malappuram and 18 batches in 18 schools in Kasaragod.
The minister emphasised that the new batches will be allowed only in government schools.
The measure comes following long protests from the student organisations and locals raising the students’ woes in the region. The opposition also put significant pressure on the authorities to address the seat crisis in the northern districts, especially after the SSLC examination result.
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Across 120 batches sanctioned in Malappuram, 59 (around 3280 seats) are for humanities while the rest of 61 batches (around 3720 seats) will be for commerce. In Kasaragod, out of the 18 batches sanctioned, 13 are for commerce, four for humanities and one for science.
The government took the decision based on the recommendation of a two-member committee constituted to study the higher secondary plus one seat shortage in northern Kerala. The committee found that there was a shortage of seats in in all taluks of the Malappuram.
After the SSLC examination result, many students failed to secure their admission despite obtaining higher marks, leading to more frustration among those affected. Protest erupted across the state, with political parties including the ruling CPM’s student outfit, SFI, taking to the streets demanding additional seats to address the issue.
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While welcoming the government’s decision, opposition leader, VD Satheesan, urged the government to consider the seat shortages in Kozhikode, Palakkad and Wayanad too, noting that many students did not get admission despite passing 10th with good marks.
The new addition of batches will add 8,280 Plus One seats this year to the existing 4.33 lakh seats. The 138 batches in the two districts incurred an additional expense of Rs 14.90 crore to the state exchequer, the minister said, adding that measure is expected to completely address all issues related to Plus One admission.
