The pro-Congress Government School Teachers Union (GSTU) has criticised the policies of the United Democratic Front (UDF) government in the education sector.
Addressing a press meet on Wednesday convened to announce the start of the State conference of the union here on Thursday, GSTU working chairman J. Sasi said the organisation was of the opinion that large-scale commercialisation of education was taking place in the State. The move of the government to support the 33 schools (in the Malabar region) went against the principle of social justice and did not auger well for the State, he said.
Mr. Sasi said the Congress was compelled to bow to political pressure due to the thin majority of the government in the Assembly. The United Democratic Front (UDF) government had been adopting a generous attitude to CBSE and ISCE schools. Such a stance would adversely affect public schools, he said.
Association office-bearers also reiterated its demand for a unified syllabus in all schools in the State. This would lead to equity in education and ensure inclusive growth, they said. The association also deplored the action of the activists of the Kerala Students Union (KSU) who poured discarded motor oil on Higher Secondary Director Keshvendra Kumar.
The State conference will begin with the State secretariat meet of the union at the District Congress Committee (DCC) office here on Thursday. UDF convener P.P. Thankachan will inaugurate a farewell meet at the Sahithya Pravarthaka Cooperative Society (SPCS).
Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Ramesh Chennithala will inaugurate the State conference at MM Town Hall on Friday. Culture Minister K.C. Joseph will preside over the session. KPCC general secretary Lathika Subhash will initiate the proceedings of a women’s conference on the day.
Education Minister P.K. Abdu Rabb will inaugurate an education meet to be attended by K.P. Dhanapalan, MP.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will inaugurate a delegates’ meet that on the concluding day. Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan and Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) State president R. Chandrasekharan will speak at the trade meet.
Finance Minister K.M. Mani will later inaugurate a cultural meet and Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi will inaugurate the valedictory session of the three-day conference.
