Is Early Textbook Distribution a Crime? Minister Sivankutty Slams Chennithala’s Remark as Attack on Poor Students

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty has strongly criticised Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala for calling the early distribution of school textbooks a “Tughlaq reform,” saying the remark is not just political criticism but an attack on the future of poor children in the state.

In a Facebook post, the minister said providing textbooks and uniforms to students before schools reopen reflects administrative efficiency and commitment. He questioned how such a move, aimed at helping students begin the academic year without delay, could be described as a “Tughlaq reform” at a time when government schools are being upgraded to global standards.

Sivankutty said ensuring that books reach children in advance prevents the hardships seen during the previous UDF government, when students in many schools reportedly waited months after reopening to receive textbooks. He asked whether making children wait even after Onam for study materials was the development model the Congress preferred.

The minister said that delivering textbooks early is not a mistake but a sign of planning and determination. Printing books before exam results are announced, he said, shows confidence in students and avoids unnecessary delay in academic activities.

Highlighting the changes in the public education sector, Sivankutty pointed out that 7,000 robotic labs have been set up in 2,000 schools to introduce students to modern technology. Facilities that were once limited to elite institutions are now available to ordinary families, he said. Through KIIFB funding, international-standard buildings are being constructed in 973 schools across the state. Government schools that once faced closure have been transformed into popular institutions attracting more students.

The minister also noted that subjects such as Artificial Intelligence and 3D modelling have been included in the curriculum to prepare students for a changing world. He questioned whether critics believe children should remain limited to outdated methods of learning.

Sivankutty further said that accident and life insurance coverage, along with free health cards for students, have been introduced to support families, especially those from economically weaker backgrounds. He asked whether such welfare measures are also to be dismissed as “reforms” in a negative sense.

Stating that the Education Department does not share what he described as Chennithala’s doubtful political mindset, the minister said the government is committed to ensuring that children from poor families rise through education. He added that remarks undermining these efforts are unjustified and that Chennithala should apologise to the students of Kerala.