Overview
- The MoU was signed on October 16 by education secretary K. Vasuki after the chief minister’s October 10 meeting with the prime minister, and allies say neither the cabinet nor the LDF was informed.
- CPI leaders, including D. Raja, have sought a review or withdrawal, arguing the agreement effectively accepts the National Education Policy.
- Education Minister V. Sivankutty met CPI leaders in Thiruvananthapuram and said the move was necessary to release Samagra Shiksha dues of about ₹1,158.13 crore, with ₹971 crore now assured.
- Sivankutty maintains Kerala will retain control over textbooks and syllabus and says the pact permits withdrawal, though reports describe a term through March 31, 2027 and dispute unilateral exit.
- Left-leaning student groups and prominent intellectuals have mounted protests, and the LDF is set to review the agreement with the CPI state executive meeting scheduled for October 27.