The linguistic minorities in the state will have the facility to write the tenth standard equivalency examination in their own language. Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority (KSLMA) is on an effort to ensure that these sections of the people too have the opportunity to complete the course in the language they know.
Those residing in the bordering districts would be the ones who will mostly benefit from the project of the KSLMA which would help these low income group to get a promotion in their jobs if the course is completed. KSLMA director and member-secretary Alassankutty said that the first batch of candidates had written the equivalency test in Kannada. Around 116 appeared for the examination held at Manjeshwaram.
“The next target is the Tamilians spread across the state. Registration has started will continue till July 31”, he said. As part of the expansion, Kannada equivalency examination will be spread to other parts of Kasargod district, especially in the border areas of Kerala-Karnataka. Examination centres will be allotted to each of these area if there are 70 registrations.
There is a large chunk of Tamil population in various districts of Kerala. The focus is to provide training for them through the continuing education centres so that they too can appear for the examination, Alassankutty said.
“Those migrated from other states too can appear for the equivalency exam if they have passed the seventh standard. They should have a certificate from the school of their native place along with the proof of date of birth”, he said. Posters have been printed and sent to Tamil and Kannada population areas to create awareness on the need to participate in the project. The respective local bodies too will take the initiative to attract these linguistic minority people to attend the classes.
There are several class IV employees in the state who have not completed the tenth standard examination. They would also be made aware of the course which would help them in getting a promotion in the department if they pass the examination.