Kerala education minister warns religious groups against interference in school policy

Kerala's decision to revise school timings has sparked opposition from religious quarters, prompting Education Minister V Sivankutty to caution against interference in academic policy.

The minister’s remarks come amid reports that the Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama, a leading Sunni scholars’ body, plans to protest the 30-minute extension in school hours.

Samastha, which holds significant influence among Kerala’s Muslim population, has raised concerns that the revised schedule could disrupt madrassa education for nearly 12 lakh students.

Responding to the issue, Sivankutty made it clear that the government cannot tailor academic schedules to suit individual communities.

"Exams or school timings cannot be set aside for a particular section of society. It cannot be done by a democratically elected government," he said.

He described the demand to roll back the extended hours as "undemocratic" and suggested it carried a tone of "intimidation," calling it a direct challenge to state authority.

"There are many other organizations that have made such demands. But, if we accept the demands of all these organizations, it would be difficult to run the schools," he said.

"Religious organizations should not unnecessarily interfere in the education field. Such interference cannot be accepted for any reason," he added.

The minister emphasized that the decision does not warrant further debate, given that it affects the academic progress of 30 to 35 lakh students across Kerala.

He also clarified that the additional instructional time was introduced based on a court directive.

Under the new schedule, schools will add 15 minutes to both morning and afternoon sessions for 16 days each month, excluding Fridays.

The move is designed to meet the mandated 220 teaching days required under the national education calendar and state curriculum regulations.

Sivankutty reiterated that the change is in the best interest of students and that there has been no lapse on the government’s part. He advised those opposing the move to seek legal recourse instead of public protests.