No plan to introduce gender-neutral uniforms in schools: Kerala govt

The CPI(M)-led Government’s U-turn on gender-neutral uniforms and other reforms in the education sector comes in the wake of protests from various Muslim outfits, which have said such moves are an attack on Islam.

Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty said the Government has not yet taken any decision on introducing gender-neutral uniforms in schools and other reforms, (Facebook/ V Sivankutty)

Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty on Monday told the State Assembly that the government has no plan to introduce gender-neutral uniforms in schools and to change school timings.

The CPI(M)-led government’s U-turn on gender-neural uniforms and other reforms in education sector comes in the wake of protest from various Muslim outfits, which felt the move as an attack on Islam. Congress ally Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) had also vehemently opposed the move to introduce gender-neutral uniforms in schools. Another reform suggested by a school curriculum revision committee was to do away with separate seats for boys and girls in schools as part of bringing gender neutrality.

Curiously, months back when IUML opposed the Education Department plan to introduce trousers and shirts for both girls and boys, the Sivankutty, who is also a CPI(M) leader, had attacked the Congress ally. Referring to IUML opposition, Sivankutty had then said: “The IUML approach towards the issue is outdated and belongs to the 16th century. Times have changed. The Education Department will go ahead with its programmes for creating gender justice, gender equality and gender awareness.”

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Since then, CPI(M) has been trying to get closer to the IUML. On Saturday, CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan had abandoned the party’s stand towards the IUML as a communal party. Govindan said the IUML is a party with progressive outlook, a democratic one working among minorities.

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Replying to a submission moved by IUML legislator M Shamsudheen, the Education Minister said the government has not taken any decision on introducing gender-neutral uniforms in schools and other reforms, including change in school timings and converting all schools into mixed ones, as suggested by an expert panel.

“The government would take a final decision only after considering the opinions of all sections. At present, respective school PTAs can take a decision on uniforms. There is a proposal before the government to change school timings. But no decision has been taken,’’ he said.

The IUML legislator had raised the issue in the Assembly, pointing out that the proposed reforms in schools were “aimed at promoting denial of religion”.

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Kerala government

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