Malappuram: The EK faction of Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama has expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the recent discussions regarding the controversial change in school timings. Following talks with the state government and representatives of religious organisations, Samastha leaders and Madrasa managements conveyed their decision to accept the revised school schedule for the current academic year.

The leaders, who participated in the meeting with Education Minister V Sivankutty, stated that the decision was taken in consideration of the High Court’s directive in the matter. Both factions of Samastha confirmed that they have agreed to the government’s move for the time being, despite raising concerns over its impact on the functioning of Madrasas.

Last month, the Education Department issued an order extending the school hours for students from Classes 8 to 10 by half an hour each day. Except on Fridays, 15 minutes were added to both the morning and post-lunch sessions. The revised timings have been implemented across the state.

Speaking to Onmanorama, Samastha EK faction leader Ummer Faizy Mukkam said, “There is no possibility of reaching an amicable solution during the current academic year, as it has already commenced. The school timing change will undoubtedly affect the operations of over 11,000 Madrasas under the EK Samastha, in addition to those run by other organisations. We have more than 12 lakh students attending Madrasa classes from 7:00 to 9:20 am. The government's decision to start school at 9:45 am would certainly disrupt this schedule”.

In the meeting, representatives of Samastha and the Madrasa Management Association reportedly proposed that any additional school hours be shifted to noon or evening to avoid overlapping with Madrasa sessions.

Samastha leaders are expected to brief their central leadership about the meeting’s outcome in the coming days. A decision on whether to proceed with the planned protest for August will be made after internal discussions within Samastha.

Despite Samastha’s expectation for further deliberations in the next academic year, the education minister ruled out the possibility of reopening the matter for discussion.