Thiruvananthapuram: Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, head of the Syro-Malankara Church, has urged the Kerala government to hold talks with managements of aided schools before implementing the proposed amendments to education rules of the southern Indian state.
The Ccardinal also voiced his opposition to the reported government move to conduct appointments to vacancies in aided schools from the teachers’ bank.
Pointing out that a unilateral stance in the issue would not auger well for the education sector, he expressed optimism that a decision would be taken only after holding talks with the stakeholders. “The existing agreement between the government and the managements regarding appointments, which was in effect, could not be neglected. We hope for a positive outcome on the issue,” he said.
Regarding the visit of Pope Francis to India next year, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had responded positively to the matter during a meeting that was held some months ago.
“We are optimistic that the Centre will recommend the President to extend a formal invitation to the pontiff, following which the response of the Vatican City will be awaited. While it is too early to announce a schedule, a visit to Kerala is expected to be part of the itinerary of the proposed visit,” he said.
(The Hindu)