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Thiruvananthapuram: New school textbooks strewn with errors and unmindful of cultural sensitivities have landed the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM)-led Left Democratic Front government in Kerala in a tight spot.
Joining issue with the government, the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC) has sought the withdrawal of social science textbooks for Grade 7, alleging that the book instills anti-religious feelings and atheistic attitudes in the minds of children.
The church and the state government have long been on a collision course over educational reforms.
To protest against the textbook's introduction, the church plans to organise a black badge agitation across the state on June 30.
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has also taken umbrage at the government's perceived move.
IUML general secretary P.K. Kunhalikutty said his party was willing to co-operate with anyone to resist the government's attempt to introduce atheistic ideas into the minds of children.
A school handbook with a picture of a frog on a page carrying a write-up about the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, had already stirred controversy in the state. The handbook meant for students of Grades 5-9 led to opposition leaders accusing the government of showing disrespect to the freedom struggle and Gandhi's role in it.
Following the fiasco, education department officials clarified that the mistake had crept into books printed in Kasaragod district.
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