Latest news with #KeralaStateHigherEducationCouncil
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Textbook on knowledge systems: Calicut varsity to take decision on June 11
The University of Calicut is expected to take a decision soon on whether to follow Knowledge Systems of Kerala, the textbook brought out by the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) as the compulsory multi-disciplinary course of the four-year undergraduate programme (FYUGP), or use its own syllabus prepared for the purpose. A senior official told The Hindu on Sunday (June 8, 2025) that a steering committee for undergraduate courses would meet on June 11 to discuss the issue. The course is mandatory for third-semester students. The KSHEC's publication in English and Malayalam covers Kerala's traditional knowledge, including cultural practices, oral narratives, performing arts, and documented literary sources. Vice-Chancellors of State universities were requested to direct their Boards of Studies to consider it a foundational resource for course design and syllabus preparation. A section of academics, however, had objected to the council imposing the textbook on universities, saying it was an infringement on the authority of the statutory academic bodies tasked with curriculum development. Meanwhile, in a letter to Vice-Chancellor P. Raveendran, Senate member Abida Farooqui sought to clear the confusion over the issue. She pointed out that the university's Board of Studies had prepared the syllabus for the Kerala Knowledge Systems course in line with the National Education Policy framework in 2024. It was later vetted by the Academic Council and faculty members. Ms. Farooqui claimed that prescribing a uniform syllabus—one that would have to be taught in translation by the departments of English, Malayalam, Arabic, Urdu, Sanskrit, and other languages—went against the grain of academic autonomy. She said that textbooks had already been prepared and classes had begun based on the university's syllabus. Ms. Farooqui added that the university should proceed with its own syllabus and inform the council of its decision.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Minister R. Bindu releases Knowledge Systems of Kerala
Higher Education Minister R. Bindu formally released Knowledge Systems of Kerala, a textbook introduced by the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC), at a function held here on Thursday. The Minister presented the first copy of the book to Mar Ivanios College Principal Meera George. The event featured an introduction to the book by KSHEC vice-chairperson Rajan Gurukkal. Member secretary Rajan Varughese spoke on the occasion. The publication serves as an introductory outline of the indigenous knowledge systems that have evolved over centuries in Kerala. It encompasses a wide range of topics such as art forms, cultural practices, oral traditions, and documented knowledge in written texts. The book contains nine thematic chapters and is available in both English and Malayalam. It has been developed as a key resource for the multidisciplinary courses offered in the third semester of the four-year undergraduate programme. (EOM)
The Hindu
02-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
KSHEC's new textbook on Kerala's knowledge systems sparks objections from teacher bodies
A new textbook proposed by the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) as a mandatory course for third-semester undergraduate students has drawn objections from academic quarters, particularly Left-aligned teacher organisations. Titled Knowledge Systems of Kerala, the textbook is intended as a compulsory multidisciplinary course of the four-year undergraduate programme. However, critics argue that the council is overstepping its bounds by infringing on the authority of statutory academic bodies in universities that are mandated with curriculum development. KSHEC maintains that the textbook offers an introductory framework on Kerala's indigenous knowledge systems, developed over centuries. According to council vice-chairperson Rajan Gurukkal P.M., the bilingual publication (in English and Malayalam) brings together a wide spectrum of Kerala's traditional knowledge, encompassing performing arts, cultural practices, oral narratives and documented literary sources. The book comprises nine chapters, covering themes such as regional knowledge systems, traditional knowledge of ethnic communities, embedded knowledge in crafts and architecture, Ayurvedic practices, and the emergence of new knowledge in the State. Chapters highlighting the contributions of social reformers like Sree Narayana Guru, Ayya Vaikundar and Poykayil Yohannan are among the key features of the textbook. While the publication aligns with the University Grants Commission's (UGC) directive to integrate Indian Knowledge Systems into higher education curricula, the council insists that the proposed content is tailored to Kerala's regional context, offering students locally grounded perspectives within the national framework. The Vice-Chancellors of State universities have been requested to direct their respective Boards of Studies to consider the textbook as a foundational resource for course design and syllabus preparation. The council has also encouraged universities to adopt this textbook in place of existing multidisciplinary courses such as Kerala Studies and Kerala Culture. However, Left-leaning teacher bodies have raised concerns over what they describe as a lack of consultation prior to the decision. They argue that the proposed text leans heavily on historical narratives, while neglecting other significant dimensions of Kerala's diverse traditions and legacy. Countering such allegations, Prof. Gurukkal pointed out the course is not confined to any one academic discipline. He added that the book is structured as a complete course, with clearly defined learning outcomes and reference materials that would reduce the burden of universities to develop such content independently. KSHEC plans to organise a faculty development programme to train teachers in delivering the new course material.
The Hindu
30-04-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Shivaji K. Panikkar-chaired Commission recommends overhaul of Kerala's fine arts education
An expert commission, chaired by renowned art educator Shivaji K. Panikkar, has recommended a complete revamp of the existing curricula in Kerala's fine arts colleges. Major reforms in admission processes, evaluation methods and administration structures have been recommended, along with a transition to a credit and semester framework. Prof. Panikkar, former Dean and Founder Member, School of Culture and Creative Expressions, Ambedkar University, presented the commission report to Higher Education Minister R. Bindu here on Wednesday. Kerala State Higher Education Council member secretary Rajan Varughese was present on the occasion. The commission was mandated with making recommendations to reform fine art education in the State. Under single entity A significant recommendation involves bringing fine arts institutions, currently affiliated under various universities and functioning under the Department of Technical Education, under the Directorate of Collegiate Education or a single administrative and academic authority. Nomenclature changes The commission has recommended changes in the current nomenclatures, including modifying the terminology of fine arts as visual arts. It has also proposed renaming the College of Fine Arts as College of Visual Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) as Bachelor of Visual Arts, and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) as Master of Visual Arts. New college The panel also mooted the establishment of a new visual arts college in northern Kerala, named after acclaimed artist K.C.S. Paniker. It further recommends elevating the Department of Painting at the Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit into a separate faculty from its current placement under Arts and Social Sciences. Several colleges are also proposed to be re-envisioned as visual arts colleges. The RLV College of Music and Fine Arts, Tripunithura, is proposed to be restructured as a specialised visual arts college, while the Raja Ravi Varma Centre of Excellence in Mavelikkara is to be developed into a dedicated department of visual arts. The report proposes introducing postgraduate programmes like Intermedia Practices, Curatorial Practices, Art History and Visual Studies, and Interdisciplinary Media and Design Practices. It also calls for establishing Departments for Graphics/Printmaking across all fine arts institutions.
The Hindu
22-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Universities set to facilitate major changes, college and inter-university transfers under FYUGP
Kerala's universities are set to implement a series of major reforms under the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) starting from the upcoming academic year. The changes, aimed at enhancing flexibility and student mobility, were approved during a high-level meeting chaired by Higher Education Minister R. Bindu at Kerala University on Tuesday. Attended by Vice-Chancellors, Registrars and senior education officials, the meeting also approved a unified academic calendar for implementation across universities. Among the key reforms is the introduction of a standard operating procedure (SOP) for students to change their Major subjects and seek transfers before the third semester. Colleges will now be required to publish vacancy details, including up to 10% additional seats, if needed within the statutory limit, to accommodate such changes. Only subjects previously taken as a Minor or multidisciplinary course (MDC) in the first or second semester will be eligible for a programme change. A rank list, based on the weighted average of grade points earned in the relevant subject, will determine eligibility. Reservation norms will apply to any newly created seats. To facilitate college transfers, universities will publish details of available seats and invite applications. The transfers will be finalised on the basis of rank lists. Students must submit a certificate from their current college principal, confirming they have not been involved in ragging or misconduct. The SOP will also apply to autonomous colleges. Students from such institutions will be allowed to transfer to non-autonomous colleges as well. Inter-university transfers will be permitted for students who have successfully completed all courses in the first two semesters. Applications within Kerala will be reviewed and ranked before being forwarded to the respective colleges. Requests from students enrolled in universities outside the State will be examined by the relevant Board of Studies, or by the department council in cases involving university teaching departments. All applicants must submit a conduct certificate from their current institution. According to Dr. Bindu, a faculty upskilling drive will be rolled out for all faculty. Master trainers will be appointed to conduct subject-wise workshops in all universities to ensure effective delivery of the new curriculum. Universities have been directed to collect feedback from students and faculty on the current syllabus to enable course modifications. The Minister added that the Kerala State Higher Education Council will launch an internship portal in collaboration with Keltron. The initiative is aimed at providing up to 1 lakh internship opportunities, including free, paid and stipend-supported internships.
