Will bring comprehensive reforms in higher education: UDF

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) plans to bring comprehensive reforms in the higher education sector if it comes to power.

A document incorporating expert views and reflecting the changes happening globally in the nature of jobs will be ready by January. It would lay the foundation for reforms that the UDF will put into action in 2026, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan has said.

Addressing a conclave on higher education organised by the UDF here on Saturday, Mr. Satheesan said the conclave would be followed by further discussions on higher education. The goal was for Kerala to witness revolutionary changes in the higher education sector after 2026, he said.

Mr. Satheesan said the higher education sector in the State was crumbling. An impression had been created that the quality of education here was poor and there were no facilities. Moreover, the education system was outdated. The constant battles between the government and the Governor and the Vice-Chancellors and the Syndicate sent out a wrong message. The outflow of young students was very concerning. There was a need to retain the young human resource here, he said.

Students who had left the State to pursue higher education abroad spoke online about the reasons for the decision and shared their experiences of studying abroad in the inaugural session of the conclave.

A host of issues such as politicisation of education, lack of takers for traditional courses, lack of academic discussions, financial crunch faced by varsities, and corruption were discussed.

Indian Union Muslim League leader P.K. Kunhalikutty, UDF convener Adoor Prakash, senior leaders Ramesh Chennithala, E.T. Mohammed Basheer, C.P. John, and Shibu Baby John spoke.