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Representational Image | Photo: Mathrubhumi / Sajeevan NN
Thiruvananthapuram: The state government has intervened in the controversial order issued by the Director of Public Instructions demoting a Higher Secondary School teacher. On Friday, DPI issued an order demoting a Higher Secondary School teacher in gazetted rank to junior rank in order to promote a High School teacher as principal. As the order triggered a controversy, education minister V Sivankutty told the media that the matter will be examined in detail and appropriate action taken soon.
“Political interest behind the order will not be considered. If the order was issued violating the existing rules, appropriate action will be taken,” assured the minister.
At the same time, the minister pointed out the need to bring timely changes in the Kerala Education Rules (KER).
Amidst this, General Education principal secretary APM Muhammad Haneesh sought details of the order after some associations of teachers questioned the DPI’s move. Further action will be taken based on the complaint filed by Nisha Lukose, the teacher who was demoted to the post of HSST (junior).
Sources close to the Higher Secondary Department confirmed that such an order was issued for the first time. Nisha Lukose who is currently working as Higher Secondary teacher in Kannur has been transferred to Malappuram district as a junior teacher. The DPI order justified that she has been demoted as no vacancies are available in senior posts in Malappuram.
The associations of teachers complained that drawbacks in the appointment of principal in Higher Secondary Schools led to the issue. Usually, teachers who complete 12 years in service are appointed principal. But when higher secondary department came into force, one-third of the principal posts were allotted to High School headmaster/headmistress and Assistant Education Officers. PSC carried out the first appointment in the higher secondary department in 2005. It is alleged that the government is not ready to revoke the reservation for High School HMs and AEOs even after having numerous qualified Higher Secondary teachers by 2017.
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