Latest news with #R.Bindu
The Hindu
7 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad opposes plan to introduce uniform Kerala Studies course
The Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad (KSSP) has sought the intervention of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Higher Education Minister R. Bindu over the introduction of a common curriculum on Kerala Studies in universities. In a memorandum jointly issued by KSSP general secretary P.V. Divakaran and president T.K. Meerabai, the organisation opposed the proposed plan to prepare a common curriculum across all universities based on a book published by the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC). Outlining its demands, KSSP stated its opposition towards a unified curriculum or textbook-centric approach for Kerala Studies. Such a stance could undermine the academic autonomy and restrict the ability of universities to reflect regional, cultural and historical diversity of their syllabi. It also stressed that the curriculum should go beyond tracing the conventional span of the State from its prehistoric hunter-gatherer roots to the Renaissance movements, and must include narratives of progressive democratic movements, the communist movement and the formation of modern Kerala. The move to rope in a private firm to publish the textbook has also come in for criticism. Calling the decision a violation of established academic procedures, the organisation demanded the restoration of due academic processes involving the Board of Studies and Academic Councils. Citing that most universities have already developed Kerala Studies content, KSSP urged the government to allow the statutory bodies of universities to independently refine these modules in consultation with the KSHEC, rather than imposing centrally produced content.
The Hindu
9 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
By speaking against English, Amit Shah is trying to impose Hindi, alleges Minister R. Bindu
Minister for Higher Education R. Bindu has said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement that those who speak English in India would soon feel ashamed reflected the 'narrow politics' he represents. She alleged that Mr. Shah was trying to impose Hindi by speaking against English. Such a move would be detrimental as India remained a land where various languages were spoken, she told media persons here on Friday. She said that learning as many languages as possible would enhance one's knowledge. English was a world language today. It connected humankind across the globe. The view that one would feel ashamed of speaking English would only help in narrowing the global perspective of the students, she said. Bharat Mata row On the Bharat Mata row involving Raj Bhavan, she said that the Governor's office should not be made a place for propagating the ideals of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). She said that there was no protocol violation in the incident in which Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty walked out of an official function at Raj Bhavan in protest against the display of an image of Bharat Mata associated with the RSS. It was the Governor who violated the protocol by keeping such an image in a Constitutional office, she alleged.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Reading vital to social development: Bindu
Stressing the importance of reading for social development, Minister for Higher Education R. Bindu inaugurated the State-level observance of Reading Week organised by the Kerala State Library Council here on Thursday. The Minister lauded the council as a unique and commendable movement that had made significant contributions to Kerala's social, cultural, and intellectual landscape. 'The era of literacy movement was the most culturally dynamic period in our history. This moment calls us to reclaim that spirit — reviving the energy and atmosphere of those times to inspire our youth and students towards a culture of reading and active civic engagement,' she said. Reading Day is observed on June 19 in memory of P.N. Panicker, the visionary who championed the message 'Read and Grow, Think and Become Wise.' The celebration will continue until July 7, the birth anniversary of I.V. Das, a key figure in Kerala's library movement, with the aim of making reading and libraries more accessible and people-centred across the State. K.V. Kunjikrishnan, president of the Kerala State Library Council, presided over the function. Writer and speaker K.E.N. Kunhahammed delivered the keynote address on the topic 'Conflicts in Reading.' Murali Perunelli, MLA, president of the District Library Council, delivered the Reading Day message, while council member T.K. Vasu paid tributes to P.N. Panicker. Thudi music-dance performance by the Kerala Kalamandalam added colour to the event.
The Hindu
06-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Kerala government revises remuneration of guest lecturers
The State government on Friday issued an order revising the remuneration of guest lecturers employed in institutions functioning under the Higher Education and Technical Education departments. The daily wage of guest lecturers with University Grants Commission (UGC) qualifications will increase to ₹2,200, subject to a maximum monthly remuneration of ₹50,000. Others will be eligible for a remuneration of ₹1,800 per day, with a maximum monthly cap of ₹45,000. Currently, guest lecturers who satisfy the eligibility criteria stipulated by the UGC are paid ₹1,750 per day, capped at ₹43,750 per month, while those without such qualifications receive ₹1,600 per day, with a monthly ceiling of ₹40,000. In a statement, Higher Education Minister R. Bindu said the revision was made on the basis of long-standing demands and recommendations for wage revision in line with the pay revision notified by the UGC in 2018. Numerous petitions had also been submitted by guest lecturers to the government, including at the Navakerala Sadas programme.
The Hindu
05-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
NSS afforestation campaign gets under way
The Higher Education Department, in association with the National Service Scheme (NSS), launched a State-wide environmental initiative, Safalam 2025, at a function held at Mar Ivanios College here on Thursday. The campaign was formally launched by Higher Education Minister R. Bindu, who emphasised the vital role of students in ensuring environmental sustainability and food security through green initiatives. 'Safalam 2025' encourages each of the State's 3.5 lakh NSS volunteers representing 3,500 units to plant and protect one fruit tree sapling. A key feature of the campaign is the geo-tagging of the saplings in order to ensure long-term monitoring and care. The 14-day programme will also focus on student involvement in environmental regeneration, sustainable living practices and food security. NSS state officer Anzer R.N. and regional director Y.M. Uppin were also present on the occasion.
