THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the wake of allegations that the implementation of the National Education Policy is being rushed, there are indications that Higher Education Council Vice-Chairman Dr. Rajan Gurukkal and Council Member Secretary Rajan Varughese may be replaced. The government also assesses that the work of these two, who were appointed by the first Pinarayi government, is not efficient.

The council was heavily criticized by teachers' unions and SFI during the curriculum reform workshop. The council is forcing colleges and universities to implement the national policy. Leaders of the left-wing teachers' organizations criticized the unnecessary haste in Kerala when even BJP-ruled states have not implemented the policy.

SFI State Secretary PM Arsho said that the proposals in the higher education policy, including the four-year degree, should be implemented only after clarification through discussion. All the discussions are centered on teachers' workload and service conditions but the discussions should be student-centered instead. The conduction of exams and result declaration are not done systematically and hence the courses get extended. The first priority should be given to the timely conduct of exams and the declaration of results. SFI said that the first thing to be implemented is the examination reform.

All those who spoke at the workshop opposed the Council and Rajan Gurukkal. Minister R Bindu strongly disagreed with Rajan Gurukkal in her inaugural address. The reform in Kerala should not be a blind copy or similar model of the National Education Policy. Even if the reforms are a bit late, we should be able to provide an alternative to the national education policy. The Minister added that Kerala's education reform should not be profit-oriented and narrow-minded like the national policy.

Curriculum committee meeting today

The curriculum committee to prepare the syllabus for higher education reform will meet today under the leadership of chairman Prof. Suresh Das. Minister Bindu also stated that the Curriculum Committee will decide on the implementation of reforms including the four-year degree.