Kerala govt to include 'constitutional powers of Governor' in Class 10 textbooks

IANS June 20, 2025 341 views

The Kerala government has decided to include the constitutional powers of the Governor in Class 10 textbooks amid ongoing tensions with Raj Bhavan. Education Minister V. Sivankutty announced the move after protesting an RSS-style Bharat Mata image at a Governor's event. This comes despite recent signs of improved relations between CM Vijayan and new Governor Arlekar. The decision reflects continuing friction between the state government and Governor's office over ideological differences.

"Children should know all these things" - Education Minister V. Sivankutty
Thiruvananthapuram, June 20: With the tensions escalating between the Kerala government and Raj Bhavan on Friday, it has been decided that the "constitutional powers of the Governor" will now be included in Class 10 textbooks in the state from the current academic year.

Key Points

1

Kerala govt adds Governor's powers to Class 10 syllabus

2

Minister Sivankutty walked out over RSS-style Bharat Mata display

3

Tensions continue despite brief Vijayan-Arlekar bonhomie

4

Previous Governor Arif Khan also clashed with state govt

This decision was conveyed to the media by the State Education Minister V. Sivankutty, who on Thursday staged a walkout from an official event at the Governor's residence, protesting the display of a controversial Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-style image of the Bharat Mata.

On Friday, he said that to start with, the topic of Governor's powers would be included in Class 10 textbooks.

"Then as and when the change in curriculum takes place, it would be included in other classes too. See, this should be taught in schools as children should know all these things," Sivankutty added.

Thursday was not the first time that a State Minister has raised objection to the RSS-style image of the Bharat Mata, when early this month during the World Environment Day celebrations, State Agriculture Minister P. Prasad skipped a Raj Bhavan event after learning that the same image would be displayed.

The state government had hastily organised a parallel event at the Secretariat to avoid a confrontation.

Incidentally, the friction between Raj Bhavan had reached a new low when Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar's predecessor Arif Mohammed Khan had several skirmishes with the Kerala Ministers and not to mention even with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and on a few occasions not even the customary pleasantries were seen exchanged when the two came together on the same stage.

It peaked when neither Vijayan nor any of his Cabinet Ministers came to bid farewell on the day when Arif Mohammed Khan left Kerala.

However, Vijayan made sure that he was on time to receive Governor Arlekar when he arrived at the airport to be sworn in.

Many expressed surprise when Governor Arlekar drove to Vijayan's residence and wished him and presented gifts on his 80th birthday last month and tongues started to wag that a new story of bonhomie between Vijayan and Governor Arlekar has been scripted.

However, now with the decision to include the powers of Governor in the school curriculum in the state, it appears the bonhomie was short-lived.

Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the Kerala textbook controversy:
R
Rahul K.
Finally! Students should learn about constitutional powers properly. Too many people don't understand the Governor's role is ceremonial in state matters. Kerala setting a good example for civic education. 👍
P
Priya M.
Why mix education with political fights? First RSS images, now textbook changes - both sides playing politics with our children's education. Focus should be on quality learning, not scoring points.
S
Sunil T.
As a Malayali, I'm proud our government stands firm on secular values. The Bharat Mata image controversy shows why we need constitutional education early. But hope they teach it objectively, not as propaganda.
A
Ananya R.
Textbook changes shouldn't be reactionary. First proper academic review is needed. What's next - changing syllabus every time there's political tension? Education policy needs stability.
V
Vikram J.
Good move but incomplete. Should teach entire federal structure - Centre-State relations, role of President too. Selective teaching creates half-baked knowledge. Kerala can lead in comprehensive civics education.
M
Meena S.
The walkout over Bharat Mata image was unnecessary drama. Both sides need to behave more maturely. Our children deserve better examples from leaders than this constant bickering. 😒

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Tags:
Kerala Governor powers Class 10 textbooks Raj Bhavan Pinarayi Vijayan V. Sivankutty Rajendra Arlekar