After poor SSLC results, Karnataka govt issues 29-point reform plan
Measures include syllabus deadline, special classes, bi-monthly PTMs, daily attendance tracking
Bengaluru: In response to growing concerns over declining Class 10 (SSLC) results in Karnataka, the Department of School Education and Literacy has rolled out a comprehensive 29-point action plan aimed at improving student performance.
According to a Deccan Herald report published on Friday, the new guidelines come after the SSLC pass percentage, which stood at 54% in 2024, rose to 73% only after grace marks were granted to 1.7 lakh students. Despite a marginal improvement in 2025 to 62%, the overall outcome remains unsatisfactory, prompting the department to intervene.
As per the new guidelines, schools must complete the syllabus by December 2025 and are required to conduct special classes along with bi-monthly parent-teacher meetings for Class 10 students. Teachers have also been instructed to counsel students at least twice on the harmful effects of mobile phone and social media addiction.
Daily attendance tracking through the Student Achievement Tracking System (SATS) has been made mandatory. Additionally, under the "early warning system," teachers are expected to visit the homes of students who are absent for more than seven days to investigate the reasons and ensure their return to school.
The guidelines further direct schools to monitor student progress through regular unit tests and introduce “wake up calls” through teachers each morning to ensure that students are studying. One hour per week must also be allocated for sports activities to help students manage stress.
Underperforming schools will be identified, and deputy directors (administration) at the district level have been tasked with addressing key problem areas.
The guidelines also mandate department officials to conduct weekly visits to schools on Fridays and analyse the learning progress in the respective schools.
Schools have been instructed to conduct three preparatory exams with webcasting, and students who fail the board exams will be allowed to re-register. The department has called for awareness campaigns at the taluk and zilla levels to ensure maximum participation in the re-registration process.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Worker’s body reaches Ranchi from Saudi 4 months after death; family rejects over compensation
Ranchi (PTI): The body of a migrant worker from Jharkhand’s Giridih district killed in Saudi Arabia in October last year has arrived at Ranchi Airport, but his family refused to accept it over pending compensation, officials said.
Shikha Lakra, team leader of the state migrant control cell, told PTI that, before taking the body of Vijay Kumar Mahato, the family is demanding compensation from the private company where he used to work in the Arab country.
Mahato was killed in an alleged crossfire between the police and criminals.
“Since it was a bullet injury case, the matter is before a court in Jeddah. The final compensation may depend on the court’s decision,” Lakra said.
“The Indian Embassy informed us about the body’s arrival, and coordination was done with district authorities. Our role is limited to coordination in cases involving overseas employers and foreign jurisdiction,” she added.
Giridih Deputy Commissioner Ram Niwas Yadav said the authorities will try to convince the family to perform the last rites.
“We have already sanctioned Rs 5 lakh under the government scheme for migrant’s deaths abroad. The compensation payment might take some time,” he said.
The body is currently at the mortuary of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi.
The Family members said they will only accept it if the company provides written assurance regarding compensation. “Without that assurance, we will not receive the body,” said Ram Prasad Mahato, the deceased’s brother-in-law.
Mahato, a native of Dudhpaniya village in Madh Gopali panchayat under Dumri block, was employed as a tower line fitter. His family said he was struck by a bullet during a gunfight between local police and an extortion gang and later succumbed to his injuries.
Social activist Sikander Ali said Mahato is survived by his wife, two young sons aged five and three, and elderly parents.
