Swashraya Bill Samvaadam: 16.07.06 - Overview

A debate was organized jointly by the CRD and Sathyadeepam on the recent controversial bill on the Self Financing Institutions passed by the Legislative Assembly at Renewal Centre, Kaloor on 16.07.06. The meeting began at 3.45 p.m. with a prayer to the Holy Spirit. There were around 100 participants from different walks of life belonging to the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, someway or other associated with educational institutions. Fr. Joseph Odanat, Director, CRD welcomed the guests and audience and explained the background of the debate.

In the absence of Bishop Thomas Chakiath, Rev. Dr. Bosco Puthur, Rector, St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Aluva inaugurated the meeting. He said: the government is trying to curtail the minority rights granted in the constitution of India.

Following the inauguration, debate was on moderated by Rev. Dr. Paul Thelakkattu, Editor, Sathyadeepam (English). He introduced the topic and welcomed the first speaker Adv. George Kurian Kannanthanam. Adv. Kannanthanam explained the legal implications of the bill without entering into its controversial aspects since he was handling the case at High Court.

The second speaker Mr. P.C. Syriac IAS addressed the concerns of the minority in the light of the present bill. He said, no assembly member was ready to defend the cause of the minority when it was discussed in the assembly. The Church was unable to exercise its moral power on the leaders of the society. Government can control the institutions, which demand high fee for seats. But should not curtail their freedom to run them.

Mr. K.V. Thomas Kadamapuzha defended the present nature and functioning of the self-financing institutions. Self-financing institutions are part of the commitment of the Kerala Church in the field of education in Kerala society. At present the state of Kerala is lagging far behind in quality education. If we need quality education, we will have to give freedom to the institutions and allow them to have healthy competition. The lobbying against such institutions naturally will help the business people in other states. Even as criticisms mount against the institutions, everybody runs after the same. This is hypocrisy. We give money and we abuse.

The presentations were followed by open discussion. All those who asked to express their opinion, were given the opportunity for the same. Participants expressed their views both pro and contrary to the bill.

By the end of open discussion, the chief guests were given a chance to reply to the opinions of the floor. Fr. Paul Thelakkattu concluded the debate by saying we need a canvass to draw picture. It is our duty to preserve the canvass and not destroy it for the bad quality of the picture.