Karnataka government mulls phasing out Nali Kali, multi-class teaching system, in primary schools | Bengaluru News
Bengaluru: The Karnataka education department is actively considering a proposal to discontinue the Nali Kali system and convert multi-grade classrooms into single-grade setups in govt primary schools. The move is being discussed in light of concerns over learning levels and enrolment trends. Nali Kali, an activity-based and self-paced learning system, currently groups students from multiple grades in the same classroom. “Nali Kali is multi-class teaching. We are requesting the govt to drop this system and make each grade different. The govt has shown a positive approach in this regard,” Chandrashekhar Nugli, secretary, Karnataka State Primary School Teachers Association, said.A senior department official said the multi-grade approach may be impacting student learning outcomes and affecting enrolment in govt schools. In a recent meeting with chief secretary Shalini Rajneesh, the teachers’ association also recommended introduction of NCERT textbooks from class 1 onwards. At present, Karnataka follows its own state-developed textbooks, unlike CBSE-affiliated schools, which use NCERT content.The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board has separately suggested reducing SSLC exam pass mark from 35 to 33, in line with CBSE norms. It also proposed revising the first language paper’s total marks from 125 to 100.Further, the association sought the appointment of clerks in primary schools and suggested outsourcing toilet cleaning to an external agency. “There have been several instances where teachers were suspended due to controversy surrounding toilet cleaning. We suggest that an outside agency can be given the task for a cluster of schools,” Nugli said.They also flagged the mismatch between rising egg prices and stagnant budgets in the midday meal scheme.
