Kerala Minister: No Religious Meddling in Education

Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty firmly stated that religious organizations should not “unnecessarily interfere” in education matters, responding to protests by Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama, a prominent Sunni scholars’ group, against extended school timings. The group claims the 30-minute extension disrupts madrassa education for 12 lakh students.

Speaking to a TV channel, Sivankutty called demands to reverse the change “undemocratic” and intimidating, asserting that a democratically elected government cannot adjust school schedules for specific groups. “If we yield to every organization’s demands, running schools would be impossible,” he said, emphasizing that the decision affects 30-35 lakh students and requires no further discussion.

The minister clarified that the additional 15 minutes in morning and afternoon sessions, except Fridays, for 16 days a month, aligns with court orders to meet the 220 teaching days required for high school curricula under national and state education rules. He advised critics to approach the judiciary.

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Sivankutty reiterated that the revised timings benefit students and defended the government’s stance, urging religious groups to refrain from challenging educational policies.

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