Is the Vijayan Government 'Saffronising' Education to Please the RSS?
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Synopsis
M.M. Hassan criticizes the Pinarayi Vijayan government for allegedly attempting to 'saffronise' Kerala's education system to align with the RSS. He warns that this move could undermine the state's secular values and future generations, urging for a stand against such policies akin to Tamil Nadu's resistance.
Key Takeaways
- M.M. Hassan accuses the Vijayan government of compromising education's secular values.
- The PM SHRI scheme faces opposition from within the LDF coalition.
- Concerns about central funding tied to ideological compliance are prevalent.
- Comparisons to Karnataka's educational policy reveal potential paths for Kerala.
- Resistance against RSS influence in education is crucial for preserving state values.
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 23 (NationPress) M.M. Hassan, the former president of the Congress unit in Kerala, has charged the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government with efforts to saffronise the education system in Kerala to cater to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
He expressed that the state's decision to adopt the PM SHRI scheme, despite dissent from the CPI, the second-largest party in the ruling LDF, is a calculated move to align with the BJP's ideological framework.
Hassan remarked, “The government is enticing the populace with promises of central funding, akin to leading a goat to slaughter by showcasing lush grass.”
He asserted that Chief Minister Vijayan and Education Minister V. Sivankutty are attempting to associate Kerala’s education sector with the RSS, thereby undermining the state's secular and progressive ethos.
“This is a disservice to our future generations,” he stated, asserting that the government's late endorsement of the scheme was aimed at utilizing central funds to address salary arrears and other financial obligations.
Hassan indicated that the CPI(M) is compromising its ideological principles to preserve a friendly relationship with the BJP.
“The CPI(M) and the BJP are now tied by an unspoken agreement. Pinarayi Vijayan is solely focused on pleasing the BJP and the Centre, but the Education Minister must resist,” he urged.
He further criticized the CPI(M) leadership for stifling the Education Minister, who originally opposed the initiative.
“Even the CPI State Secretary's concerns regarding the Centre's educational policies have been belittled by CPI(M) leadership,” Hassan remarked, suggesting that the Left is now willing to forsake its ideals for central funding.
Referring to Karnataka's example, Hassan highlighted that even a BJP-led state formulated its own educational policy, rejecting the unscientific and communal aspects of the National Education Policy (NEP).
“Why can’t Kerala exhibit the same bravery?” he questioned, advocating for the state to adopt Tamil Nadu’s approach of legal resistance against the Centre’s policies.
Hassan alleged that the Pinarayi government frequently reallocates funds from central schemes for ordinary expenditures.
He claimed that the Centre's stipulation that Kerala must embrace an RSS-inspired educational policy to qualify for funding is an affront to federal principles.
“The PM SHRI scheme’s saffronisation agenda jeopardizes Kerala’s educational foundations and the future of coming generations. This cannot be allowed,” he concluded.
Point of View
The ongoing debate surrounding the PM SHRI scheme highlights a significant ideological clash in India. While states have the right to education policies, external influences like the RSS raise concerns about the secular fabric of education. It’s crucial for the nation to uphold its principles while navigating federal dynamics.
NationPress
23/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PM SHRI scheme?
The PM SHRI scheme is an initiative aimed at revamping the educational framework in India, but it has faced criticism for being influenced by RSS ideologies.
Who is M.M. Hassan?
M.M. Hassan is the former president of the Congress unit in Kerala and an outspoken critic of the Vijayan government’s educational policies.
What are the main criticisms of the PM SHRI scheme?
Critics argue that the scheme attempts to align Kerala’s education with RSS ideologies and threatens the state's secular values.
How does this issue reflect on Kerala's political landscape?
The conflict reveals tensions between the LDF government and the CPI, as well as broader ideological battles between secularism and nationalism in education.
What can be done to resist the perceived saffronisation of education?
Advocating for independent educational policies and legal challenges against central mandates can help maintain Kerala's secular educational framework.
