Wadakkancherry/Cheruthuruthy: Due to a severe financial crisis, Kerala Kalamandalam, a deemed-to-be university, has decided to lay off many temporary workers. A total of 125 staff members, including 69 teachers, will lose their jobs starting from December 1, as per a directive from the Vice Chancellor.

The order explains that the dismissals are due to a lack of funds from the non-plan allocation. Government records show that funds are only available for permanent positions. The cultural department has been informed multiple times that Kalamandalam continues to rely on temporary staff because there are vacant positions.

This decision is expected to disrupt studies at the institution. The staff working at the hostel, including those involved in Thimila and Koodiyattam, are all temporary employees. These employees also teach subjects. Among those being dismissed are several individuals who have been working at Kalamandalam for over a decade. This comes almost a year after the government decided to upgrade Kerala Kalamandalam to a state cultural university.The current aim of the governing body is to ensure that permanent employees receive their salaries without interruption, based on the funds available.

Uncertainty Ahead for Kalamandalam’s Future

As discussions continue at the government level about the need for cultural institutions to raise their own funds, the future of Kerala Kalamandalam appears uncertain. Besides affecting the study of the arts, this move will also disrupt the smooth functioning of the institution.