In a significant educational reform, the Lakshadweep administration has announced a pivotal shift in its schooling system. All schools under the Department of Education in the Union Territory will transition from Malayalam to CBSE English medium. The Director of Education issued the directive on December 12, with the primary objective of elevating educational standards and adapting to the changing educational landscape.
The order specifies, "To elevate the standards of education and align with the dynamic educational landscape, the Department of Education in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep has resolved to transition SCERT Kerala Malayalam medium classes to CBSE English medium."
Commencing from the academic year 2024-25, the department's schools will exclusively admit students in the CBSE English medium stream, starting from grade 1.
The order explained the rationale behind transitioning to a new educational medium, emphasising the goal of equipping students with essential skills and knowledge for their future academic and professional endeavors. Recognising the significant role of the CBSE curriculum in students preparing for competitive exams and 21st-century skills, the shift was deemed necessary.
Furthermore, it was specified in the order that the existing Malayalam medium SCERT class would be transformed into CBSE English medium for grades 2 to 8. Director of Education, Rakesh Dahiya, outlined a systematic two-year plan for the conversion of grades 9 and 10 to CBSE English medium, ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing board examinations.
The order also highlighted adherence to the new education policy's guidelines on the three-language formula, offering English, Malayalam, and Hindi from grades 1 to 12. This approach aimed at comprehensive language learning and reducing the burden on students, preventing the need to learn more than three languages during their school studies.
All school principals were directed to initiate necessary preparations for the migration process, including associated resources, starting from the academic year 2024-25. Regular updates on the progress of these arrangements were mandated to be provided to the Director of Education.