Ban on gifts to teachers at academic year's end

Malappuram: To curb the practice of students offering expensive gifts to teachers during end-of-year send-offs, the Deputy Director of Education in Malappuram has issued a directive instructing district and sub-district education officers to discontinue the tradition. The order has been handed over to the schools.

The move comes in the wake of a report published by ‘Mathrubhumi’ on March 31, highlighting the practice of students, belonging to Classes 1–9, presenting gifts to their teachers during farewell ceremonies at the end of an academic year. The Deputy Director of Education has taken notice of this report and incorporated its findings into the circular issued to education officers.

Traditionally, students gift items such as expensive clothes, watches, framed photos, cakes, and customised cups and glasses adorned with photos to their teachers. Furthermore, it has become relatively common for teachers to share photos and videos with gifts on social media platforms, amplifying the trend.

What was once a phenomenon primarily observed in unaided schools has now permeated government and aided schools over the past two years. Even in rural LP schools, the exchange of gifts at the conclusion of the academic year has become widespread.

It has been argued that this practice fosters an environment of competition, inferiority, and discrimination among students and teachers. Additionally, it breaks existing rules prohibiting teachers from accepting gifts or rewards, directly or indirectly, without prior permission from the government.