From financial fraud to POCSO cases, 432 Kerala teachers face action in three years

Alappuzha: The Kerala Department of General Education has taken action against 432 teachers over the past three years, with complaints ranging from financial fraud to serious criminal offences. The cases include sexual exploitation, mark manipulation, and forgery. Disciplinary measures such as suspension have been implemented in both government and aided schools.

Higher secondary teachers hit hard

Higher secondary teachers were the most affected, with 168 individuals facing action, including 71 principals. Complaints ranged from financial fraud, collection of tuition fees, to inappropriate behaviour with students and colleagues.

Primary and high school teachers' offences

More severe offences were recorded among teachers in primary to high school levels, where 157 individuals have been charged. Charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act have also surfaced. 

Some teachers were found involved in grave misconduct, including selling drugs through students, abusing children using caste-based slurs, and manipulating students' admissions. Other incidents included leaking question papers via WhatsApp, forging documents for promotions, making appointments with forged signatures of school managers, and even harassment of their spouses. 

Some teachers also committed irregularities in the school lunch scheme. In one particular case from Pathanamthitta, action was taken against a group of teachers for supporting a colleague who had been accused of using a student to sell drugs. 

Examination-related violations

Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan has taken direct action against 107 teachers for examination-related violations. These cases involved teachers failing to conduct examinations or properly evaluate answer sheets. In some instances, marked answer sheets were not returned, and evaluations were incomplete. Penalties such as fines and recovery of examination allowances have been imposed.

Vocational higher secondary issues

In the vocational higher secondary category, 44 teachers faced action. Among these, 22 teachers were penalised for absenteeism, with some of them already retired. However, the penalty amounts are being deducted from their pensions.