Chennai: This academic year, students in government-run schools will not only be involved in academic activities but also have a say in the day-to-day administration of the institution as the govt has introduced a mock parliamentary-style ministerial system on campuses.The initiative, integrated with the existing Magizh Mutram system (a house system), will see every school elect ministers from each of the 5 houses (Kurinji, Mullai, Neithal, Marutham and Paalai) for education; safety; information and communication; environment and climate change; and hygiene and sanitation. Every student-minister will discharge duties concerning their portfolios.While the communication minister will be responsible for updating the notice board and disseminating important announcements to all students, the environment minister will be in charge of the school’s greenery. The education minister will ensure attendance and devotion to academics and the hygiene minister will take care of sanitation in classrooms and on the school premises.“Interested candidates were shortlisted and elections were held last week. Five students, one from each house, who won the maximum number of votes in their respective houses were chosen as ministers and allocated portfolios upon draw of lots. A mock discussion was held in front of all students on Friday, wherein minister-elects spoke about what they intend to do under the department and answered questions,” T Nakkeeran, headmaster, Govt Higher Secondary School, Kovalam, said.The student-ministers will also work with the respective house heads and class house leaders. “Every action by the ministers will reflect on the house score. Already, every extra curricular or co-curricular activity carried out by students at the classroom level are added as points to house. It is exciting and competitive to participate in house activities,” E Karthika, a class house leader at Govt Presidency Higher Secondary School, said.Currently, there are 4 periods per week for middle, high and higher secondary classes for extra and co-curricular activities ranging from singing and drawing to essay-writing and reading. Additionally, the minister’s performance will be monitored by the respective school heads and added to house points.School education director S Kannappan said that the initiative will encourage students to actively participate in activities, improve learning abilities and also serve as a foundation for developing them into capable leaders and responsible citizens. “We have also asked co-educational schools to ensure that at least 3 elected class house leaders are girls, and the position rotates every month to ensure equal opportunity for all,” he added.He further said that chief education officers have been instructed to ensure periodic checks for effective implementation of the program.
