The Kerala government has taken a firm stand against the inclusion of religious teachings within the formal school curriculum. State Education Minister V Sivankutty recently made it clear that education in Kerala will remain strictly secular. He stated that any effort to mix religion with school education would be opposed by the government, regardless of who initiates it. This statement came in response to recent incidents that raised concerns about certain schools or organisations allegedly promoting communal ideas through textbooks or informal content.
I’m writing about this issue because it touches upon a very important aspect of modern education—whether it should remain neutral and inclusive, or tilt towards particular ideologies. In a state like Kerala, which is known for its high literacy rate and diverse communities, the separation of religion from education is not just a policy issue but a question of preserving harmony. It is important that schools continue to be safe, inclusive spaces where children are taught facts, values, and skills—not religious dogma or sectarian ideas. Minister Sivankutty’s statement is a timely reminder that public education should stay rooted in constitutional values.
Government’s Clear Stand on Secular Education
Minister V Sivankutty said that the education system in Kerala is built on a foundation of secularism and scientific temper. He stressed that:
- No textbook or learning material should contain religious content unless it’s part of a neutral academic study
- Any school that violates this principle will face strict action
- The aim is to ensure that children are not influenced by any form of religious bias during their formative years
He also noted that the state’s curriculum is reviewed thoroughly through bodies like SCERT (State Council of Educational Research and Training), which ensures that no unapproved or non-academic content slips into classrooms.
Trigger for the Statement
The issue came into focus after reports surfaced that a private organisation had included communal content in materials provided to children. This sparked criticism from parents, teachers and education activists, who raised concerns about maintaining Kerala’s secular tradition in schools. Minister Sivankutty responded firmly, stating that the government is keeping a close watch and won’t tolerate any breach of educational ethics.
What the Constitution Says
According to the Indian Constitution:
- Article 28 prohibits religious instruction in educational institutions funded by the state
- Article 30 protects the rights of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions, but even these must adhere to basic national standards and child protection norms
Sivankutty reminded the public that Kerala’s education system has always respected constitutional guidelines and will continue to do so.
Schools Must Focus on Academics, Not Indoctrination
The minister also said that schools should teach values like respect, equality and civic responsibility—not religious ideologies. He added that there’s already enough pressure on students due to the competitive academic environment, and mixing religion into their curriculum would only add confusion and division.
He pointed out that inclusive classrooms help promote unity, mutual respect, and a better understanding of the world. This is particularly crucial in a state like Kerala where students come from multiple religious and cultural backgrounds.
