‘Not Tughlaq Reform, But Education Revolution’; Minister V. Sivankutty Hits Back at Opposition

Kottayam: Kerala General Education Minister V. Sivankutty has strongly criticised senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala for describing the state’s education reforms as “Tughlaq reforms,” terming the remark baseless and misleading.

Addressing a press conference, V. Sivankutty said the changes introduced in Kerala’s public education sector are progressive and have received wide recognition. He said it is unacceptable to label such reforms in a derogatory manner.

The Minister recalled that during the previous UDF government, when P.K. Abdu Rabb was Education Minister, students had to wait for months after schools reopened to receive textbooks. In several instances, half the academic year had passed before books reached classrooms, leading to protests and criticism. In contrast, he said, textbooks are now printed and distributed months before schools reopen so that students can begin the academic year without delay.

V. Sivankutty pointed out that, for the first time, textbooks from Classes 1 to 12 were revised through a broad-based curriculum reform process that sought public opinion, including feedback from students. The inclusion of the Preamble of the Constitution and the reintroduction of the Malayalam alphabet form part of these reforms. He also said Kerala became the first state in the country to release a dedicated textbook for parents and specially designed textbooks for children with hearing impairment.

Yesterday, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala questioned the decision to print textbooks before the declaration of examination results, asking whether books were being supplied without knowing if students would pass to the next class. Rejecting the criticism, V. Sivankutty said textbooks and curriculum cannot be prepared casually. “Textbooks and curriculum cannot be made like dosa. There are seminars, discussions and detailed procedures behind it,” he said.

The Minister said it is a blatant misrepresentation for the Opposition, which had earlier praised developments in the education sector, to now claim that nothing has been done properly. He reminded that during the UDF period there was all-promotion from Classes 1 to 10. Under the present “Subject Minimum” system, if a student scores low in a subject, that subject is retaught and the student is given another examination. As a result, no child fails, he said.

Sivankutty added that questioning whether textbooks are distributed before knowing if a student has passed shows a lack of understanding of the system.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also criticised Ramesh Chennithala’s remarks, terming the claims unfounded. The LDF government reiterated that timely printing and distribution of textbooks reflects its commitment to strengthening public education and ensuring that every student receives proper academic support.