Thiruvananthapuram: While the Kerala government claims that there has been a rise in the number of students enrolling in government schools, 57 higher secondary batches in 27 government schools and 25 aided schools, lack permanent teachers in the state. 

Although applications were submitted, the government has not been ready to allocate teaching posts to 52 schools for the last eight years. These schools have reportedly been functioning since 2014. 

There are a total of 32 batches in 27 government schools and 25 batches in 25 aided schools. On an average, six appointments need to be made for every batch. That is, as many as 300 appointments are yet to be made. 

Earlier, 148 schools were allotted in the state on account of the government’s decision that there should be at least one higher secondary school in every panchayat. The teacher posts were also approved in principle in 2015. But later, the LDF government appointed a commission to review the decision. 

In 2019, a guideline was issued to fix staff and as per the new condition, there should be 50 students in a batch continuously for three years. A similar number of students is required for the first and second year of higher secondary batches too.

Even though eight schools completely followed the condition, only two (schools in Kollam and Alappuzha) were allotted teacher posts by the government. 

Meanwhile, the management and teachers allege that the government is discriminating against schools in terms of staff fixation.