Kozhikode: Taking a firm stance amid mounting pressure, Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty has ruled out any special exemptions in school timings for specific communities. Responding to opposition from religious groups, the Minister asserted that threatening the government in the name of a particular community is neither justifiable nor acceptable.

“For the government, children’s education is the top priority. Those who wish to follow different schedules must adjust accordingly,” Sivankutty said, making it clear that the state would not be swayed by sectarian demands. He further emphasised that invoking community identity to influence policy decisions was not a reasonable approach.

The Minister’s comments come amid protests from both AP and EK factions of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, who raised objections to the government’s proposed school timing revisions, citing disruptions to madrasa education.

Samastha president Sayyid Muhammad Jifri Muthukkoya Thangal had appealed to the Chief Minister to withdraw the proposal. As the organisation geared up for protests, the Minister clarified that no changes in school timings are currently being considered.

The AP faction, led by Kanthapuram, also criticised the move, urging that any reform in the education sector should be made only after thorough consultation, and highlighting the concerns of students and parents.