Kerala to formally object UGC draft curriculum, flags Sangh Parivar influence: Report
Kerala to formally object UGC draft curriculum, flags Sangh Parivar influence: Report
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government is poised to formally convey its objections to the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) draft Learning Outcomes-based Curriculum Framework, claiming that the proposed framework undermines scientific principles and promotes an ideological agenda aligned with the Sangh Parivar.
The Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) will review the draft framework and prepare a report for the state government, which will form Kerala’s official response, as reported by India Today on Wednesday.
The UGC recently released the draft curriculum for nine subjects, including Anthropology, Chemistry, Commerce, Economics, Geology, Home Science, Mathematics, Physical Education, and Political Science.
Key elements of the draft curriculum have raised concerns, including proposals to encourage students to analyse concepts such as "Ram Rajya" and study ancient texts such as the Upanishads, Mahabharata, and Arthashastra as resources for sustainable development.
Additionally, the proposal suggests including the biographies of RSS ideologue VD Savarkar and Deendayal Upadhyaya in the BA Political Science elective course, added the report.
This move comes after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had previously expressed concerns in January, criticising the UGC's 2025 draft regulations for violating states' constitutional rights.
Speaking to the media, Vijayan said the government had written to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and reached out to non-BJP Chief Ministers to collectively oppose the draft. He called the proposed framework an example of “political arrogance” that sidelines state governments, which bear about 75% of education expenditure.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
PM leads mega roadshow in Sikkim, to attend celebrations marking 50 years of statehood on Tuesday
Gangtok (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a mega roadshow in Gangtok on Monday evening after arriving in Sikkim to attend the closing ceremony of 50 years of statehood celebrations.
Modi, who wore a traditional Bhutia cap and a Lepcha coat, was received at the Libing helipad by Governor Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.
From the helipad, the PM began the roadshow, which concluded at Lok Bhavan, where he will stay overnight.
On the open vehicle, Modi was flanked by CM Tamang on his left and state BJP president D R Thapa on his right.
Large crowds lined the roads for hours, waving national flags and waiting to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister.
As his convoy moved slowly through the city, people broke into celebrations. Some enthusiastic supporters chanted "Modi, Modi, Modi", while a few women were seen showering flower petals in his direction.
Modi acknowledged the cheering crowds by waving continuously.
Tamang was also seen urging the gathered people to cheer for the PM during the roadshow.
The route of the roadshow was decorated, with arch gates erected at several points and large cut-outs of Modi placed along the roads.
On Tuesday, Modi will visit the Orchidarium in Gangtok. To commemorate the golden jubilee of Sikkim's statehood and showcase the state's ecological and floral heritage, the 'Swarnajayanti Maitri Manjari' Park has been developed as a world-class Orchid Experience Centre.
The PM will also participate in the closing ceremony of Sikkim's 50th statehood celebrations at Paljor Stadium, where he will unveil development projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore.
The projects cover several sectors, including infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, education, power, urban development, environment, tourism and agriculture.
Modi is also scheduled to address the gathering on the occasion.
He was expected to attend the opening ceremony of the year-long celebrations last year, but could not reach the venue due to inclement weather. However, he addressed the event virtually from Siliguri in neighbouring West Bengal.
Tamang later thanked the people for giving the grand reception to the PM during the hour-long roadshow in the state capital.
"With immense fervour and heartfelt enthusiasm, the people of Sikkim accorded a grand and resounding welcome to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji on his arrival in Gangtok," he said in a social media post.
Tamang said people from all walks of life gathered in large numbers to greet him, reflecting the deep respect and warm affection the people of Sikkim hold for his leadership.
"It was indeed an honour to join him during the roadshow and witness the overwhelming love and support of the people firsthand," he said.
