Synopsis
The Kerala government's Private Universities Bill is facing challenges as the CPI raises concerns about its implications for the education system. The cabinet has decided to delay the discussion for further talks, despite the LDF's prior approval. The issue is expected to be revisited in the next meeting.Key Takeaways
- The Kerala government’s Private Universities Bill faces opposition from the CPI.
- Concerns were raised regarding the impact on the educational system.
- The LDF has already backed the Bill, indicating potential approval soon.
- Opposition Leader demands an apology from Chief Minister to former diplomat.
- Future protests are anticipated if the government proceeds with the Bill.
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 5 (NationPress) The Kerala government's proposed Private Universities Bill encountered significant obstacles during the state cabinet meeting on Wednesday, as the ruling LDF's second-largest ally - the Communist Party of India (CPI) - voiced its strong opposition to the initiative.
During the meeting, State Agriculture Minister and senior CPI leader P. Prasad raised concerns regarding the potential impact on the existing educational framework, prompting the cabinet to postpone the discussion for further deliberations, as requested by the party.
Despite the CPI's resistance, the CPI-M-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) - the dominant decision-making entity of the Pinarayi Vijayan administration - has already endorsed the Bill, suggesting that the CPI's objections may be disregarded, and it's likely that the proposed legislation will soon receive cabinet approval.
Senior RJD leader Vargheese George noted that he spoke for 20 minutes against the Bill during the LDF meeting, asserting that it poses a threat to the state’s education system. He stated, 'Although we are part of the LDF, we expressed our concerns and ultimately agreed to it.'
Additionally, Higher Education Minister R. Bindhu was absent from the cabinet meeting as she was out of station, but the issue will be revisited at the next cabinet session. With the LDF having already backed the Bill, it seems only a matter of time before foreign universities establish a presence in the state.
Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan reiterated their support for the Bill but insisted that before Vijayan approves it, he should apologize to former diplomat T.P. Sreenivasan, who was assaulted by CPI-M student activists while attending a meeting as Vice-Chairman of the state's higher education body regarding the necessity for private universities in Kerala.
'We have consistently backed this Bill, but Vijayan’s party opposed it until now. He should first apologize to Sreenivasan for the incident.' said the Congress leader.
Sreenivasan expressed gratitude that the state government is contemplating the Bill, stating, 'This should have been addressed two decades ago. It was proposed in 2011 during the tenure of then-Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, but faced opposition and was stalled. I’m pleased it is being considered now.'
On the other hand, N. Arun, President of CPI's youth wing, argued that private universities are unsuitable for Kerala, emphasizing the need to bolster existing educational frameworks. 'If foreign universities are permitted, the situation could spiral out of control. We hope the government will reconsider this move, and if they proceed, we will protest.' said Arun.
