Sat Oct 04 18:50:22 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
The Catholic Congress in Kerala has criticized Education Minister V. Sivankutty’s handling of appointments for differently-abled candidates in aided schools. The Congress accuses the Minister of divisive politics and insulting the minority community by allegedly favoring a Supreme Court ruling that doesn’t apply to Christian-aided institutions. The Minister defends the government’s actions, stating they are following court orders and working in the interest of all communities. He also challenges school managements to fulfill their responsibilities and points to government willingness to review complaints and seek further legal advice.
**News Article:**
**Kerala Catholic Congress Condemns Education Minister’s Handling of Differently-Abled Appointments**
**Thiruvananthapuram, October 5, 2025** – The Catholic Congress has issued a strong condemnation of Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty, accusing him of mishandling appointments for differently-abled candidates in aided schools across the state. The criticism follows similar objections from the Changanassery and Kothamangalam dioceses of the Syro-Malabar Church and the Church of South India (CSI).
The Catholic Congress statement labels Minister Sivankutty’s remarks regarding the applicability of a Supreme Court verdict on appointments in Nair Service Society (NSS) schools to Christian-aided institutions as “provocative and condemnable,” and an “insult” to the minority community. The organization asserts that the government is “playing divisive politics” for “political gains” instead of addressing the needs of Christian minorities. They claim that while minority school managements are ready to provide jobs to differently-abled individuals, the government has halted other appointments, hindering the process.
“A responsible government is expected to act with fairness and sensitivity,” the Congress stated, urging action to prevent the issue from escalating.
Minister Sivankutty has responded to the criticism, stating that the government is strictly implementing differently-abled reservations in accordance with court orders. “The State government is bound to follow the Supreme Court and High Court rulings on this matter,” he said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to serving all communities. He also questioned whether school managements have acted responsibly in past legal disputes and highlighted the Chief Minister’s intervention by forwarding complaints to relevant authorities.
“The government is open to reviewing complaints, seeking fresh legal advice from the Advocate General if required, and holding discussions with stakeholders,” Sivankutty added.
The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between the government and minority institutions in Kerala regarding appointment policies and the implementation of reservation guidelines.
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