The Kerala government is set to adjust its stance on appointments in aided schools, with a plan to legally extend Supreme Court-approved relaxations, previously granted to Nair Service Society (NSS) managements, to all other aided school managements across the state. This announcement was made by Minister for General Education, V. Sivankutty, during a press conference held in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday.
Minister Sivankutty confirmed that the government would present its updated position to the apex court when the case is next heard on October 16. This crucial decision emerged from a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan earlier that morning.
The Supreme Court’s earlier ruling had permitted the regularization of appointments in NSS-managed aided schools, with the sole exception of posts designated for persons with disabilities. While initial legal interpretations suggested this judgment applied exclusively to NSS managements, the government now recognizes the necessity for a broader, enduring solution to the issue.
The Minister emphasized that the government is committed to finding a comprehensive resolution that not only upholds the rights of the differently abled but also addresses the legitimate concerns of both the teaching community and school managements. He stated, “This decision is poised to initiate a new chapter in Kerala’s education sector.”
Furthermore, Minister Sivankutty highlighted that numerous related cases, concerning teacher appointments and posts for the differently abled, are currently pending before the Supreme Court. He noted that a definitive final verdict from the court is essential for the state to proceed with further actions, and the government intends to seek this ultimate judgment.
The meeting included key officials such as Minister for Law P. Rajeeve, General Education Secretary K. Vasuki, Director of General Education N.S.K. Umesh, Advocate General K. Gopalakrishna Kurup, and Law Secretary K.G. Sanal Kumar.
Previously, the government had contended that out of approximately 5,000 aided school managements in Kerala, only 1,329 had formally reported vacancies for differently abled individuals. While about 1,500 differently abled persons had secured appointments in aided schools, over 5,100 reserved vacancies still remain unreported.
Several school managements, prominently those affiliated with the Catholic Church, had voiced opposition to the government’s initial stance on aided school appointments. Minister Sivankutty recently met with Archbishop Thomas Tharayil of the Changanassery diocese to discuss these concerns.
However, the Minister refuted claims that the government’s change in policy was a capitulation to pressure from the church. He clarified, “This is a complex issue. The time taken was merely what was necessary to reach a well-considered decision. The Chief Minister convened a meeting of senior officials specifically due to the gravity of the matter.”
He also added that no specific decision had yet been made regarding a potential meeting between school managements and the Chief Minister.
Current government estimates indicate that close to 16,000 teachers are currently employed in aided schools on a daily wage basis.