CPI Questions Centre Over Contradictory Claims on India’s First Science Policy State

CPI Rajya Sabha MP P Sandosh Kumar has raised concerns over conflicting statements by the central government regarding the first Indian state to implement a science and technology policy. On July 21, 2022, the government claimed Gujarat introduced the policy in 2018, but on March 13, 2025, it acknowledged Kerala had done so in 1974 under then-Chief Minister C Achutha Menon. The CPI Parliamentary Party called this contradiction “deeply concerning” and stressed the importance of accurate information in Parliament.

Kumar has requested a 30-minute Rajya Sabha discussion to clarify the issue. He believes this will also enable a broader debate on India’s scientific research and policy implementation. CPI MPs PP Suneer and Samajwadi Party leader Javed Ali Khan have supported the demand. The CPI has urged the government to correct its statements and recognize Kerala’s pioneering role. Misleading data in Parliament undermines credibility, especially on crucial topics like science policy. The party reaffirmed its commitment to scientific progress and urged the Centre to take the matter seriously.

CPI Questions Centre Over Contradictory Claims on India’s First Science Policy State

CPI Rajya Sabha MP P Sandosh Kumar has criticized the central government for providing contradictory information in Parliament regarding the first Indian state to implement a science and technology policy. This discrepancy has raised concerns about transparency and accuracy in official statements, particularly on issues crucial to national development.

Contradictory Government Responses

According to Kumar, the government has presented two conflicting statements on the matter. On July 21, 2022, it claimed that Gujarat was the first state to introduce a Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policy in 2018. However, in a subsequent response on March 13, 2025, it acknowledged that Kerala had actually pioneered the initiative by launching its science and technology policy in 1974 under then-Chief Minister C Achutha Menon. This inconsistency has raised concerns about the government’s fact-checking process.

CPI’s Criticism of Misinformation

The Communist Party of India (CPI) Parliamentary Party described the contradiction as “deeply troubling,” emphasizing that such errors undermine public trust in government communications. The party stressed the importance of maintaining accurate historical records, especially for policies that influence education, research, and technological progress.

“Parliament is the highest forum for democratic discourse. Misleading statements here damage the credibility of governance,” the CPI stated. It also highlighted that Kerala’s early adoption of a science policy reflected a forward-thinking approach that should be recognized at the national level.

Demand for Clarification and Debate

To resolve the discrepancy, Kumar has formally requested a 30-minute discussion in the Rajya Sabha. He argued that this would not only allow the government to clarify its stance but also initiate a broader conversation on India’s progress in scientific research and innovation. The discussion could highlight how various states have contributed to fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and technological advancement.

CPI MP PP Suneer and Samajwadi Party leader Javed Ali Khan have backed Kumar’s demand, stressing the need for accountability. They emphasized that Parliament must ensure factual accuracy in its records to acknowledge the contributions of states and leaders who laid the groundwork for India’s scientific growth.

Kerala’s Legacy in Science Policy

Kerala’s 1974 policy, introduced during C Achutha Menon’s tenure, was a landmark initiative that integrated science and technology into state-led development. It focused on strengthening research institutions, enhancing science education, and leveraging technology for public welfare—a model that other states later adopted. The CPI has urged the central government to correct its earlier statement and formally acknowledge Kerala’s pioneering role.

Broader Implications for Policy and Governance

The issue extends beyond historical accuracy. It highlights the need for precise documentation and consistency in policy-related communications. Recognizing Kerala’s 1974 initiative could encourage other states to revisit and enhance their science policies. Conversely, overlooking such milestones risks erasing key contributions from history and eroding public confidence in governance.

The CPI also linked this debate to broader concerns about India’s scientific progress. It called for increased funding for research, better coordination between state and central policies, and greater incentives for innovation to address contemporary challenges such as climate change and healthcare.

Government’s Next Steps

With mounting pressure, the government is expected to address the discrepancy in its statements. A formal clarification may involve revising parliamentary records and issuing a public statement recognizing Kerala’s achievement. Additionally, the proposed discussion could lead to a review of how policy-related information is documented and communicated across ministries to prevent future inconsistencies.

Conclusion

The CPI’s call for accountability underscores Parliament’s responsibility to uphold factual integrity. As India strives to position itself as a global leader in science and technology, acknowledging past achievements—such as Kerala’s pioneering policy—is essential. Correcting the record not only honors historical contributions but also strengthens the foundation for future advancements. The outcome of this debate could set a precedent for ensuring accuracy in governance, reinforcing the importance of truth in shaping the nation’s scientific and technological future.