Kerala Education Minister Takes Strong Stand Against NCERT
Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty has openly criticized the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for assigning Hindi names to English-medium textbooks. He termed the decision a “violation of common logic”, stating that it disregards the linguistic fabric of India.
Minister Questions NCERT’s Logic and Purpose
Sivankutty argued that naming English textbooks in Hindi is confusing and unnecessary for students in non-Hindi-speaking states. He emphasized that education must be inclusive and regionally sensitive, especially in a linguistically diverse country like India.
Kerala Reaffirms Commitment to Multilingualism
Kerala has historically supported multilingual and secular education, and this decision by NCERT is seen by the state as a centralized imposition of language. The Minister affirmed that Kerala will not accept such measures silently and may consider alternate actions if the change is implemented without consultation.
What Did NCERT Change?
The NCERT recently proposed renaming English-medium textbooks—such as “India’s Constitution at Work”—with Hindi titles like “Bharat ka Samvidhan”, even though the content remains in English. Critics argue that this could create confusion and blur educational clarity for students nationwide.
Linguistic Neutrality in Education Under Threat?
Many academics and educators have also raised concern, calling this step a soft push for Hindi imposition in the national education system. They argue that language neutrality should be a guiding principle in central educational policy to avoid alienating non-Hindi-speaking students.
Political and Social Reaction Builds Up
The controversy has gained traction, with several opposition leaders, educationists, and social commentators voicing support for Kerala’s stand. They view this decision as part of a broader pattern of centralization and cultural uniformity being promoted by national bodies.
Minister’s Remarks Reflect Broader Concerns
Sivankutty’s sharp response reflects growing concern over the erosion of regional identity and language diversity in national educational material. He called on the Union Education Ministry to review the NCERT’s move and include states in any such decision-making process.
Educational Clarity Over Cultural Symbolism
Experts argue that clarity in education should not be compromised for symbolic gestures. They stress that textbook names should serve students’ understanding, not political or cultural agendas, especially in formal academic contexts.
Looking Ahead: Demand for Dialogue
Kerala is expected to raise the issue formally with the Union Education Ministry, demanding consultation and review. The state government has reiterated that regional autonomy in education must be respected to uphold constitutional values and student welfare.
