Kerala School Removes Backbenches: New Seating Style Gets Attention

A government higher secondary school in Kerala is getting attention for a small but powerful change — it has removed the concept of “backbenchers” by changing how students sit in the classroom. At this school in Ernakulam, traditional straight rows of benches are now replaced with circular or semi-circular seating so that every student faces the teacher directly. The idea behind this move is to break the invisible wall between so-called “frontbenchers” and “backbenchers,” and to make learning more inclusive for all students.

I found this initiative worth sharing because, for decades, the label of “backbencher” has been tied to students who are often left out — whether in academics, attention from teachers, or class participation. Many students get judged not by their effort but by where they sit. This school’s new seating layout challenges that thinking and aims to build equal opportunity for all students in a very visible way. It’s a reminder that even small changes in how we structure learning spaces can lead to better classroom dynamics, improved focus, and higher student confidence.

What Is the New Seating Plan?

The school has removed the fixed idea of rows and back seats. Instead of having students lined up from front to back, the furniture is now arranged in:

U-shaped or circular formats
Cluster-style seating with groups of 4-6 students
No permanent seating assignments

Each setup allows every student to face the blackboard, the teacher, and each other, making the class feel more like a group discussion than a one-way lecture.

Why Remove the Backbenches?

The move is not just about changing furniture — it’s about shifting mindset. Here’s what it aims to fix:

Removes social labels: In many schools, “frontbenchers” are seen as bright and serious, while “backbenchers” get labelled as disinterested or weak.
Boosts participation: Students who would normally sit in the back now feel more involved in classroom discussions.
Helps the teacher: Teachers can interact better with all students when no one is physically or mentally pushed to the margins.
Improves visibility and hearing: Every student gets a clear view of the board and can hear the teacher easily, which boosts learning.

What Teachers and Students Say

Teachers at the school say they’ve already noticed changes — quieter students are speaking up more, group learning has improved, and the class feels more united. Students too have shared that they don’t feel judged based on where they sit anymore. Everyone gets equal chance to ask questions and take part in classroom activities.

Could This Work in Other Schools?

Yes, and it doesn’t need a big budget. What this Kerala school did is a low-cost change — just moving around benches and tables. But for it to work in other schools, the mindset has to shift as well. Teachers need to embrace group learning methods, and schools must stop giving fixed labels to students based on seating.

It also opens up the idea of rotating seats regularly so that each student experiences every part of the classroom, whether near the board or closer to windows.

Conclusion

What this Kerala school has done might seem small, but its impact is big. By removing the idea of “backbenchers,” they’ve shown how classrooms can be reimagined to support every student equally. It reminds us that learning doesn’t have to follow old rigid structures — and that sometimes, just changing where a child sits can change how they feel about themselves in school. Other schools across India should take a closer look at this idea and maybe give it a try in their own classrooms.

Education and Employment Can Transform Society: Dinesh Gundu Rao Highlights the Way Forward

During a recent public address in Mangaluru, Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stressed that education and employment are two powerful tools that can shape the future of any society. He pointed out that when people are educated and have meaningful jobs, they can rise above social divisions, poverty, and other long-standing issues. His statement came while addressing students and faculty at a function organised at Srinivas University, where he also touched on the importance of knowledge-driven growth.

I felt the need to write about this because it’s rare to hear such a strong political focus on the link between education, employment and overall societal transformation. We often hear about schemes, budgets and infrastructure, but rarely is the bigger picture discussed—how these two sectors can change the life of a common person. This topic matters to all of us, especially the youth, who are navigating a fast-changing job market while also dealing with rising academic pressure. By writing about this, I hope more people start thinking seriously about how education is not just about degrees, and employment is not just about money—it’s about dignity, stability and progress.

Why Education and Employment Matter Together

Education and employment are often treated as separate issues, but in reality, they go hand-in-hand. Education gives people the ability to think, create and contribute. Employment gives them the opportunity to apply what they know, support their families, and be part of the economy. According to Dinesh Gundu Rao, these two pillars must be developed together if we want a fairer and more productive society.

He stressed that:

Lack of access to education pushes people into poverty.
Unemployment leads to frustration, crime, and brain drain.
A society that fails to create job-ready youth will always remain unequal.

This is why investing in schools, colleges, and job-oriented courses is not just a policy decision—it’s a moral responsibility.

Government’s Role in Creating Equal Opportunities

During the event, Rao mentioned that governments should focus not only on building schools and colleges but also on ensuring the quality of education. He said students from rural areas often struggle because they don’t have the same access to English-medium teaching or computer labs as those in urban areas. This kind of inequality reflects in the job market too, where rural youth get fewer chances.

He also pointed out that:

Many graduates remain unemployed or underemployed because they are not industry-ready.
There is a big gap between what is taught in classrooms and what the job market demands.
Career counselling and vocational training should start at the school level.

According to him, if we want to see real change, we need long-term thinking and serious government commitment—not just one-time policies or election promises.

Importance of Social Harmony for Progress

One of the key messages Rao delivered was about unity. He said education should be a tool to unite people and not divide them. The minister raised concern about how communalism and polarisation are slowly taking attention away from important issues like job creation and educational reform.

He added that:

When youth are unemployed, they are more vulnerable to divisive ideologies.
Education can help people develop critical thinking and tolerance.
A strong education and employment ecosystem reduces dependence on populist politics.

He urged young people to stay informed, ask questions, and focus on real-life issues rather than distractions.