Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), July 18: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) held a massive protest march to the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, demanding the resignation of Higher Education Minister R Bindu over the KEAM entrance exam controversy, increased student safety in government schools, and the immediate implementation of the PM SHRI scheme in Kerala. The protest ended in police detaining several ABVP members.
Allegations Over KEAM Scam
The ABVP alleges irregularities in the Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical (KEAM) entrance exam after the Kerala government abruptly altered the evaluation formula on July 1, the same day the rank list was released. The formula change, which adjusted the ratio of marks from 1:1:1 to 5:3:2 for Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, allegedly benefited students from the state board while disadvantaging CBSE and ICSE candidates.
The Kerala High Court later struck down the rank list and directed authorities to revert to the original prospectus guidelines, a ruling upheld by the division bench. The Supreme Court declined to stay the High Court’s verdict but agreed to examine the larger legal question on formula alteration powers.
Despite initial resistance, the Kerala government accepted the court’s verdict, citing the need to avoid admission delays.
PM SHRI Scheme and Student Safety
ABVP also demanded the implementation of the PM SHRI (Prime Minister Schools for Rising India) scheme, a central government initiative to modernize select schools under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The scheme aims to introduce 21st-century learning methods, green infrastructure, and holistic education.
The student group further voiced concerns over the safety of students in government schools, demanding stronger safeguards and holding the state government accountable for alleged negligence.
Ongoing Tensions and Threats of Nationwide Agitation
The protest comes in the wake of recent tensions between ABVP and SFI (Students’ Federation of India). The ABVP claims that its state secretary was attacked by SFI members allegedly backed by Minister R Bindu, intensifying demands for her resignation.
In the past year, ABVP has repeatedly clashed with authorities over student-related grievances, including protests in Kannur and Thiruvananthapuram, where police have used water cannons to disperse demonstrators.
ABVP leaders warned that if their demands — including Minister Bindu’s resignation and full implementation of PM SHRI — are not met, they will launch nationwide protests against the Kerala government and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.