HS schools in Kerala with 25 students or less to lose permanent teaching post

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government is planning to eliminate teacher posts in higher secondary schools which have fewer students, affecting around 40 schools in Kerala where only 25 students are enrolled. A higher secondary post-determination report recommended cutting 420 teaching posts across various districts. Based on this, the Directorate of Higher Secondary Education has prepared a list to redeploy 210 teachers. Among those affected are teachers in government higher secondary schools who will be transferred.

However, the decision to eliminate higher secondary batches with fewer students has not been finalised. In such schools, studies will continue in the next academic year with guest teachers instead of permanent staff. Meanwhile, in some schools, up to 65 students are studying in a single batch while neighbouring schools have only 25 students per batch.

In addition to these changes, the directorate has decided to downgrade 120 teaching posts due to an insufficient number of students. Teachers' unions argue that this move is against the rules and have urged the government to issue a separate order to abolish the posts officially.

Complaint to the minister

The Kerala Higher Secondary Teachers Union (KHSTU) has lodged a complaint with Minister V. Sivankutty, demanding that the plan to redeploy permanent teachers be withdrawn. The organisation also accused him of violating the transfer criteria set by the High Court.