Kottayam: A top Church leader in Kerala has deplored deterioration of education in the southern Indian state.

Cardinal Mar George Alencherry, head of the Syro-Malabar Church, says a recent state government order has created confusion in the higher secondary department. The order relates to the revised non-teaching staff pattern in private aided arts and science colleges, training colleges and Arabic colleges.

He demanded clarity in the package for teachers in the aided sector.

The cardinal was speaking to media after chairing an Inter-Church Council meeting at CSI Retreat Centre in Kottayam on March 10. He said Christians would oppose any move to deny the rights of their Dalit brethren and financially weaker sections.

The meeting also stressed the need to reduce the availability of liquor, whatever group forms the government in the southern Indian state.

Kerala is getting ready to elect its legislative assembly in May.

The Madhya Kerala diocese of the Church of South India hosted the meeting that decided to form three committees to deal with issues related to education, health and other matters.