Kerala will not allow communalisation of education, no compromise on university autonomy: Roji M. John

Kerala Higher Education Minister Roji M. John has reiterated that the State government will not permit communalisation of education under any circumstances.

“The United Democratic Front (UDF)’s position is clear and consistent, whether in the Opposition or in power. Any attempt to communalise the sector, irrespective of who is behind it, will be firmly resisted,” he told media persons in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday (July 1, 2026).

He added that the government would not allow attempts by any political group to “capture” universities or influence their administration by appointing party loyalists. Uncompromising efforts would be made to safeguard the autonomy and integrity of universities, he said.

Earlier, while inaugurating a State-level programme organised at Government College for Women, Vazhuthacaud, to mark the commencement of the new academic year for undergraduate courses, the Minister said the Higher Education department will undertake a comprehensive review of the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP). Necessary reforms will also be introduced to address the practical difficulties experienced by students and colleges. The experience gained since the roll-out of the FYUGP had highlighted several implementation issues that required corrective intervention, he said.

Flexible, multidisciplinary model

At the same time, he said, the FYUGP represented a shift from conventional classroom learning to a more flexible and multidisciplinary model suited to a rapidly changing world shaped by artificial intelligence, data science and biotechnology. The programme enabled students to pursue subjects across disciplines according to their interests.

The Minister added that the government’s objective was to create the kind of academic environment, courses and curricula that students sought within the State itself, thereby reducing the need for them to pursue higher education outside the State or abroad.

Mr. John also stressed the need to improve student diversity on Kerala’s campuses. While students from Kerala were pursuing higher education across the country, very few students from other States chose institutions in Kerala, he said, adding that the department was considering measures to make campuses more diverse and nationally attractive.

Against substance abuse

He appealed to senior students to ensure that campuses remained free of ragging and to welcome freshers in a spirit of friendship. Referring to the government’s Operation Toofan anti-drug campaign, he urged students to become partners in the fight against substance abuse and instead channel their energies into constructive pursuits.

Transport Minister C.P. John presided over the function. Higher Education Principal Secretary B. Ashok, Director of Collegiate Education Afsana Parveen and college Principal Chitra T. Nair spoke.