No change in revised school timing, says Kerala education minister
Speaking to the media in Kannur, Sivankutty said govt would hold discussions with those opposing revised schedules to convince them.
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"The talks are not aimed at changing govt's decision, but for clarifying our stand.
The change in school timing was made based on the Education Act and such a decision couldn't be taken on religious considerations," he clarified.
Samastha is free to express its opinion and govt is ready for discussions with them, he said. "Samastha leader Syed Muhammad Jifri Muthukoya Thangal contacted me over phone to express their concerns regarding the matter and talks will be held with them.
Someone may have misled Samastha leaders on the matter," he added.
Sivankutty criticized governor Rajendra Arlekar over his remarks on the recent 'Guru Pada Pooja' rituals conducted in some schools in the state. "How can the governor support an act which forces children to wash the feet of others? The rituals like Pada Pooja (foot worship) cannot be permitted in a modern society," he said.
"Director of general education is investigating the incidents and govt won't allow such practices in schools. As per the Right to Education Act, such practices will be considered mental harassment of students," he added.
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