Kerala Reaffirms Stand Against NEP Despite Signing PM SHRI MoU

Kerala's Education Minister V Sivankutty has reiterated that the state will not implement the National Education Policy (NEP), even after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre under the PM SHRI schools scheme. Addressing political criticism, Sivankutty clarified that the agreement focuses solely on infrastructure improvement and academic enhancement, not on adopting the NEP or altering Kerala's curriculum framework.

Kerala's Firm Rejection of NEP

Sivankutty underlined that Kerala's education system will continue to operate independently of the NEP, which the state has consistently opposed.

"The MoU does not mean surrendering our syllabus or policies to the Centre. It is only for availing funds to upgrade school facilities," he said.

The minister stressed that Kerala's state curriculum and educational philosophy would remain intact, rejecting suggestions that the PM SHRI tie-up could bring NEP-driven changes.

Political Reactions and Ideological Debate

The controversy intensified after former BJP state president K Surendran claimed that RSS ideologues like Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar might feature in Kerala's textbooks under the NEP framework. Sivankutty dismissed the claims as "baseless and politically motivated," asserting that Kerala would never allow ideological or communal influences in its education system.

He reaffirmed that historical accuracy will not be compromised, noting that events such as Nathuram Godse's assassination of Mahatma Gandhi will remain part of the syllabus - a direct rebuke to fears of historical revisionism often linked to NEP debates.

Centre's Clarification

Union Minister George Kurian backed Kerala's interpretation, stating that the PM SHRI scheme does not compel NEP adoption.

"If Kerala chooses not to follow the National Education Policy or vocational modules under it, that is their prerogative," Kurian said, adding that the Centre's role is limited to financial and infrastructural assistance.

Opposition Questions Consistency

Meanwhile, the Opposition Congress has accused the LDF government of inconsistency - signing a central scheme it had previously criticised for promoting NEP-linked reforms. V D Satheesan, Leader of Opposition, asked why the government sought PM SHRI funds when it had earlier claimed Kerala's public schools already met international standards through KIIFB investments.

The Broader Context

Kerala's participation in PM SHRI has reignited the state-versus-centre debate over NEP implementation. While the Union government promotes NEP as a transformative framework, Kerala maintains that its existing curriculum model better serves its social and academic goals.