The list of offices associated with the General Education Dept of Kerala is given below.
State Council of Educational Research and Training, Kerala
The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Kerala, is an independent organization responsible for planning, executing, and evaluating academic programs from preschool to higher secondary education. The dept was founded in 1994 by restructuring the State Institute of Edu, which was previously a part of the General Edu Dept. SCERT aims to enhance the quality of school education by developing curricula, preparing textbooks, providing teacher training, and producing teacher handbooks.
Samagra Shiksha Kerala
The Indian govt, in its 2018-2019 budget, presented an integrated technique to school edu from pre-nursery to Class 12. As a result, the Samagra Shiksha program was launched to ensure a holistic development of the school education sector. This initiative is the combination of three schemes, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, and Teacher Education. This was done to promote equal educational opportunities for the students and improve learning outcomes.
Pareeksha Bhavan
Pareeksha Bhavan functions under the Dept of General Education, Govt of Kerala, and is responsible for conducting various state-level examinations. These include SSLC, THSSLC, KGTE, K-TET, D.Ed/D.El.Ed, and scholarship examinations. The Commissioner for Govt Examinations oversees the functioning of Pareeksha Bhavan, supported by a Joint Commissioner, Secretary, and other staff members.
Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority
This mission was funded in 1998, the Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority operates under the General Education Dept to coordinate and improve literacy and continuing education programs. Kerala launched its continuing education initiative on October 26, 1998, with the vision of “Education for all and Education forever.” The state, having achieved total literacy, is now focusing on lifelong learning. KSLMA is fully funded by the Govt of Kerala and designs programs to promote literacy and continuous education across the state.
Public Education Protection Campaign
Unlike many other Indian states, Kerala has effectively addressed fundamental issues in education, such as accessibility and student retention. The next significant challenge is ensuring high-quality education and equitable learning opportunities. The Public Education Protection Campaign aims to improve public schools by creating an inclusive and secular education system that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to compete globally.
Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education
The older name of this was IT@School Project. Now the new name is Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE). It was launched in 2001-02 to integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the education system. In August 2017, IT@School was renamed KITE to expand its scope beyond school education to include higher education institutions such as engineering and arts & science colleges. KITE was also the first Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under the Education Dept to receive funding from the Kerala Infrastructure and Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), making it a key player in advancing technology-based education.
State Institute of Educational Technology Kerala
SIET Kerala is an autonomous body under the General Education Dept and is one of seven such institutes in India. The Ministry of Human Resource Development, Govt of India, sanctioned its installation in 1998, and it became functional in 1999. SIET plays a crucial role in the development of educational technology and media resources for enhancing learning experiences in schools.
State Institute of Educational Management and Training Kerala
SIEMAT Kerala was founded in 2005 as an autonomous organization under the General Education Dept. It serves as a center of excellence in educational planning and administration. The organization follows the guidelines of the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA). It was registered as a society on 30 MAR 2004, under the Travancore-Cochin Literary, Scientific, and Charitable Societies Registration Act XII of 1995.
State Institute for the Mentally Challenged
The C.H. Mohammed Koya Memorial State Institute for the Mentally Challenged is an autonomous organization registered under the Charitable Societies Registration Act of 1995. It was founded on DEC 23, 1995, to provide education and training for individuals with mental disabilities. The institute is managed by a General Council, with the Minister of General Education serving as the Chairman and the Secretary of General Education as the Vice Chairman.
State Council for Open and Lifelong Education Kerala
SCOLE Kerala was formed as a restructured version of the Kerala State Open School, which was established in 1999. The Govt issued an official order on July 30, 2015, to set up SCOLE as a separate entity dedicated to open and lifelong education. Headquartered at Vidya Bhavan, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, SCOLE operates under the leadership of the Honorable Minister for Education of Kerala and a governing council that includes an academic, executive, and general council.
Kerala Mahila Samakhya Society
The Mahila Samakhya program was launched in 1987-89 to empower women in rural areas, particularly those from marginalized communities. This initiative was part of the National Policy on Education and aimed at providing educational and leadership opportunities to women. Currently, the program operates in 11 states, including Kerala, with a State Programme Director overseeing its implementation.
Final Thoughts
Kerala has consistently taken progressive steps to enhance its education system, making it one of the most advanced states in India in terms of literacy and learning. Through various autonomous bodies and initiatives, the state ensures a holistic approach to education, from early childhood learning to adult education. By integrating technology, promoting inclusivity, and focusing on teacher training, Kerala continues to uphold its commitment to quality education for all.