Discussions needed on change in school timings: Sunni scholars association

Thiruvananthapuram/Kozhikode (Kerala) | The Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama -- a prominent association of Sunni scholars with the largest support base among Kerala Muslims -- on Saturday said that discussions need to be held before implementing the revised school timings.

Prominent Islamic scholar and Samastha leader Syed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal, while speaking to reporters at Kozhikode, said responses on the issue from those representing the government should be "polite and not stubborn".

He made the statement in response to reporters' pointing out that state General Education Minister V Sivankutty has said that exceptions or changes to school timings cannot be made for a particular community.

Thangal further said that Samastha had given its concerns in writing to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and he had to respond to the same.

"The minister (Sivankutty) can say what he wants, but we gave our representation to the CM. So, he (Vijayan) has to respond," the Samastha leader said.

He also said that the government was there to look after the interests of the communities.

"This is the need of a big community. It is the communities which vote during elections. The government needs to hold discussions on the issue," he asserted.

Thangal also questioned whether madrassa classes would have to be held when it is time to sleep and said that there are only 24 hours a day.

Meanwhile, Sivankutty reiterated that the school timings were extended by 30 minutes, 15 in the first half of the day and 15 in the second half, in accordance with the directions of the Kerala High Court.

He said that he was not taking an "arrogant" stand on the issue and that he merely pointed out that he cannot go above the court orders.

The minister said that he was ready to have talks with Samastha or any other organisation, but made it clear that there can be no discussion with regard to the court order.

The change of school timings has turned into an issue in the state, with increasing opposition from some Muslim organisations, including the Samastha, who are contending that it would affect the madrassa classes.

According to the minister, the school hours were extended by 15 minutes each in the morning and afternoon, except on Fridays for 16 days a month to meet the mandated instructional time equivalent to 220 teaching days, as required under the national education calendar and state regulations.