Kerala Minister warns against 'saffronising education', slams RSS event in state

Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty has not held back criticism of what he described as attempts to saffronize the education sector in the guise of bringing in the National Education Policy (NEP).

His remarks came in the wake of the row surrounding the 'Jnan Sabha' programme, a convocation for higher education which was held in Ernakulam. The function was convened by Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, an organisation belonging to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat had attended.

The admission of five vice-chancellors from Kerala universities into the program infuriated the minister severely. "The news that the vice-chancellors of five universities in the state are participating in the program with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at its head is highly disturbing. Universities should be independent and unbiased," Sivankutty said.

He advised that educational institutions not be politicized, saying, "Using institutions that should concentrate on academic excellence and research for political purposes will have far-reaching implications."

The minister emphasized that the education sector should not be brought under the influence of the dictates of any one ideology or political agenda. "Attempts to place the education sector under the domination of any particular ideology or political agenda are unacceptable under all circumstances. Education must be accessible and secular for all," he declared.

Sivankutty also expressed dismay over attempts by certain organisations to politicise education policies for their agendas. "It is distressing that certain organisations are attempting to twist education policies in line with their interests."

Reaffirming the position of the state government, the minister said, "The state government remains committed to safeguarding the general education sector and the higher education sector in Kerala. The government is keen on having an education system that holds fast to the basic principles of the Constitution and democratic values."

He concluded by saying that the Kerala people will resist any effort to impose ideological control over education. "The people in Kerala will take all necessary steps to resist and vanquish the saffronisation attempts and maintain the secular character of the education sector."