Former Kerala education minister Sivankutty warns of setbacks in schools amid delay in cabinet formation

CPI leader and former Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty on May 14 alleged that the delay in cabinet formation after the Kerala Assembly election results has disrupted the functioning of the state’s education department.

In a Facebook post, Sivankutty said the absence of a minister to oversee the General Education Department, even 10 days after the declaration of election results, has created an administrative crisis and affected key activities linked to the upcoming academic session.

Sivankutty said the current period required active ministerial intervention, particularly for matters related to the announcement of Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examination results.

According to him, the absence of leadership at the ministerial level has slowed the decision-making process at a time when lakhs of students and parents are awaiting the results.

The CPI leader also raised concerns regarding school fitness inspections ahead of the reopening of educational institutions, claiming that related activities were now functioning in a disorganized manner.

He further stated that continuous coordination and monitoring at the ministerial level were necessary to ensure timely printing and distribution of textbooks before the new academic year begins.

Sivankutty warned that the absence of intervention in these areas could lead to larger administrative and academic issues in the coming days.

Referring to teacher training programs, Sivankutty claimed the situation had become more complicated because the central government had stopped funding for Samagra Shiksha Kerala for several years.

"The situation is no different in the case of teacher training, as the central government has stopped the funds for Samagra Shiksha, Kerala, for years," he said.

He added that earlier governments had ensured continuity of teacher training programs, salaries, and employee benefits through ministerial-level interventions and special allocations from the state government.

Sivankutty alleged that the lack of administrative leadership has brought several important processes within the department to a standstill.

He said the General Education Department had previously functioned through systematic planning and coordinated execution, but continuing without leadership even after vote counting was completed would negatively impact the education sector.

The former minister also called for urgent intervention to improve the efficiency and functioning of the department ahead of the new school year.