By The Hindu Bureau
Copyright thehindu
The State government has formally rejected the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) proposed Learning Outcome-Based Curriculum Framework (LOCF).
In a letter addressed to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and UGC Chairperson Vineet Joshi, Higher Education Minister R. Bindu said the draft in its present form would not be implemented in the State. She also expressed serious concerns over the academic, structural, and ideological aspects of the proposed curriculum.
The State’s policy is based on a comprehensive review conducted by an expert committee appointed by the government to evaluate the draft document. Based on the committee’s findings, Dr. Bindu said the document lacked academic depth and failed to reflect the social and educational realities of the country.
“The draft curriculum violates the autonomy of universities by prescribing syllabi, course structures and reading lists. It goes beyond the constitutional mandate of the UGC,” Dr. Bindu wrote in her letter.
The draft introduces Western models through ideologically driven insertions, she said, adding that divisive content under the guise of Indian Knowledge Systems was also present. Such elements contribute to an outdated and academically unsound framework, Dr. Bindu stated.
Asserting that it undermines the goals of a critical, creative and pluralistic higher education system, Dr. Bindu urged the UGC to withdraw the draft and conduct a fundamental review of the framework.
She emphasised the need for meaningful consultation with State governments, universities and academic communities before finalising any such national-level curriculum.
Tasked by the State government to evaluate the draft curricula, the Kerala State Higher Education Council had constituted the expert committee chaired by economist Prabhat Patnaik and co-chaired by council vice-chairperson Rajan Gurukkal. The panel’s report was also forwarded to both the Union Minister and the UGC chairperson for consideration.
