Kochi: Privatisation has always been a hot-button issue for the Left parties. The leadership of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Kerala is reportedly divided over the approach to be taken towards privatisation of the higher education sector.

The document "CPM and Development Vision for Modern Kerala" presented by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the delegates' session of the party State Conference here on Tuesday favoured the setting up of learning institutions with private or public-private participation in the higher education sector along with State-run institutions.

But the draft political resolution, which was prepared ahead of the Party Congress to be held in Kannur, states that the functioning of the private educational institutions should be regulated.

The document presented by the Chief Minister on the higher education sector ran contrary to the draft political resolution prepared by the meeting of the party Central Committee held in Hyderabad from January 7 to 9.

What political resolution states

The 70th page of the 83-page draft political resolution contains demand for regulation of the private educational institutions. The CPM's mouthpiece "Chintha' has already translated the draft political resolution to Malayalam. Both the resolution and its Malayalam translation were circulated among the delegates of the State conference.

The draft political resolution is currently being discussed by the lower-level committees of the party. Based on the suggestions evolved from these committees, the final political resolution will be prepared for presentation at the party conference.

The stand adopted by the Chief Minister in his vision statement clearly demonstrates a policy shift on the part of the State party leadership in matters of higher education. It is very evident since it was the State CPM unit that opposed tooth and nail the granting of autonomy to the government colleges in the State.

Colourful start to State Conference

The State Conference of the CPM set off to a colourful start in Kochi on Tuesday.

CPM State Secretariat member and senior leader Anathalavattom Anandan hoisted the party flag at the conference venue.

Party State secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan presented the organisational report. On Wednesday, discussions will be held on this.

On Thursday, discussions will revolve around the "Nava Keralam" (New Kerala) document presented by the Chief Minister.

CPM to prepare blueprint for party overhaul

For a while the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has been laying the groundwork for the overhaul of the party in tune with changing times. The four-day Kerala State Conference of the party will formulate measures to improve its style of functioning. The meet will also prepare a blueprint for Kerala's development in the next 25 years.

The state party leadership claims to have completely ended factionalism. "The remaining flaws in the organisational front would be identified and addressed. Changes are being brought about in the party functioning and party-controlled bodies, keeping up with the changing times," says a report.

The measures proposed to improve paty's connect with the public include expansion of voluntary activities such as palliative care along the lines of the relief efforts carried out during the floods and COVID-19 pandemic.

Along with strengthening the cooperative sector, there is a proposal to increase the party's influence in it. In developmental efforts at the grassroots, the interventions made by the party-ruled local self-government bodies would be democratised.

The practice of taking decisions at the party's leadership-level and passing them on to the lower rungs would continue to be followed. But a new system would be introduced to immediately respond to the queries of the party members.

Political discussions will be held in all party units, including local branch committees, at regular intervals. A representative of the higher unit will take part in these and respond to queries by local functionaries.

The party plans to develop a development vision which is acceptable to the growing number of wealthy people and upper middle-class.

The new development vision for the state will be presented even in the local bodies that are ruled by the party.