The Catholic Congress has demanded that the Congress party be given charge of the education and minority welfare portfolios in the newly formed United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala. In a statement, Catholic Congress global president Rajeev Kochuparambil and global director Fr Philip Kaviyil emphasized that promises made during the election period must be honored. They stressed that the government should ensure equal justice to all sections of society without succumbing to pressure from any group.
Concerns Over Monopolization
The organization expressed strong disapproval of attempts by certain groups to monopolize the education department, even after it was split into two separate entities. They argued that Kerala urgently needs an education system and a department with a long-term vision. Kochuparambil and Fr Kaviyil highlighted the historical contributions of the Christian community to Kerala's renaissance and the Kerala model of development, noting that far-sighted initiatives by the community played a major role. They cautioned against efforts to completely erase that legacy.
Need for Reforms
The leaders pointed out that at a time when Kerala's education sector is seeking innovation, modernization, and reforms, there must be corresponding changes in the governance of the sector. They criticized the practice of political parties treating government departments as their private property, calling it unacceptable. The Catholic Congress also demanded that the long-standing neglect of the minority affairs department be addressed.
In a stern warning, the Catholic Congress stated that if broadly acceptable arrangements are not made in the education and minority affairs departments, it would launch strong protests. The organization urged the government to act with fairness and foresight to avoid such confrontations.
