Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty has strongly condemned what he described as attempts to saffronize the education sector under the guise of implementing the National Education Policy (NEP).
His remarks came in response to concerns surrounding the ‘Jnan Sabha’ program, a higher education conclave held in Ernakulam. The event was organised by Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, an organisation linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and was attended by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat.
The participation of vice-chancellors from five universities in Kerala in the program drew sharp criticism from the minister. “The news that the vice-chancellors of five universities in the state are participating in the program led by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is very worrying. Universities should be independent and impartial,” Sivankutty said.
He warned against the use of academic institutions for political purposes, saying, “Using institutions that should emphasise academic excellence and research for political interests will have far-reaching consequences.”
The minister stressed that the education sector should not be shaped by any single ideology or political agenda. “Efforts to bring the education sector under the purview of any particular ideology or political agenda are unacceptable under any circumstances. Education should be accessible and secular for all,” he stated.
Sivankutty also expressed concern over attempts by certain organisations to distort education policies for their own benefit. “It is worrying that some organisations are trying to distort education policies according to their interests.”
Reaffirming the state government’s stance, the minister said, “The state government is committed to protecting the general education sector and the higher education sector of Kerala. The government’s goal is to ensure an education system that is in line with the basic principles of the Constitution and democratic values.”
He concluded by asserting that the public in Kerala will resist any move to impose ideological control over education. “The public in Kerala will take all steps to resist and defeat the saffronisation efforts and uphold the secular nature of the education sector.”
– Ends