Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty has reiterated that the signing of the PM SHRI school scheme memorandum of understanding (MoU) will not alter the state”s educational curriculum. His comments came amid opposition from the Communist Party of India (CPI) and allegations from the Congress party regarding a potential “political conspiracy.”
Sivankutty responded to claims made by former BJP state president K Surendran, who alleged that figures such as RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar would be incorporated into Kerala”s educational system. The minister dismissed these assertions as “false propaganda for political purposes,” emphasizing that the BJP leader lacks a comprehensive understanding of Kerala”s education policies.
According to Sivankutty, the primary purpose of signing the MoU was to secure funding aimed at enhancing school infrastructure and improving educational standards. “This agreement will not lead to the imposition of a central syllabus in Kerala,” he stated.
He further expressed confidence that the central government”s attempts to modify historical narratives and communalize education would not succeed in Kerala. He cited the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi by Nathuram Vinayak Godse as a historical fact that will remain in the state”s textbooks.
The minister clarified the state”s intention not to introduce teachings about Hedgewar and Savarkar in schools, labeling Surendran”s comments as an effort to create confusion within the public education sector.
In contrast, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Minority Affairs George Kurian indicated that the PM SHRI scheme does not impose any obligations on Kerala. He noted that the state has the autonomy to determine its educational curriculum, asserting, “If they do not wish to adopt the National Education Policy or vocational classes, they are free to pursue that path without coercion.”
The opposition Congress party has raised concerns regarding the state government”s engagement with the PM SHRI scheme, questioning the rationale behind it despite claims of no financial crisis. The Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, V D Satheesan, pointed out the inconsistency in the government”s narrative about departmental funding while asserting that public schools have reached international standards through KIIFB funds. He questioned, “Why surrender to the scheme?”
