Kerala Education Dept’s New Mission: Classrooms Without Backbenchers

The Kerala education department plans to eliminate the concept of "backbenchers" by redesigning classroom seating layouts. Education Minister V Sivankutty emphasized that row-based seating may harm students' confidence and create inequality. An expert committee will study international models for inclusive classroom layouts. Some Kerala schools have already adopted U-shaped seating, allowing equal teacher interaction with all students. Inspired partly by the film Sthanarthi Sreekuttan, schools like RCC Lower Primary in Thrissur report positive feedback from students, teachers, and parents. The U-shaped model fosters better engagement, especially in classes with fewer students, promoting equality and improved learning outcomes.