After Raj Bhavan row, Kerala minister says textbooks to cover Governor's powers
Kerala's General Education Minister V Sivankutty on Friday announced that the powers and duties of state Governors will be taught in schools, as part of the revised curriculum aimed at reinforcing constitutional values and democratic principles.'Schools are the ideal place to learn the values of democracy,' Sivankutty said, adding that the state's curriculum reforms are designed to reflect this belief. The new content, which outlines the constitutional powers of Governors, will be included in the second volume of the Social Science textbook this academic year, and in upcoming revisions to higher secondary textbooks.advertisementThe announcement comes against the backdrop of a row between the minister and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.
On Thursday, Sivankutty walked out of an official event at the Raj Bhavan, reportedly in protest against the presence of a 'Bharat Mata' image, commonly seen at RSS events, displayed during the programme.The Raj Bhavan responded with sharp criticism, calling the walkout a 'serious breach of protocol' and 'a grave insult to the constitutional office of the Governor.' The event was held to distribute Scout and Guide Certificates to school students, with the Governor present on stage.Hitting back, Sivankutty accused the Governor of politicising an official event and violating constitutional decorum. He also pointed to what he called a growing trend across the country of attempts to destabilise elected governments by misusing the Governor's post.advertisement'Even the Supreme Court has clarified the constitutional role of Governors,' he said, justifying the inclusion of this topic in school education to help students understand the real function of the post under the Indian Constitution.Meanwhile, the Governor has defended the presence of the 'Bharat Mata' image, saying, 'There is no question of doing away with Bharat Mata, as we draw our idea of patriotism and nationhood from Bharat Mata.'
IN THIS STORY#Kerala
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