Ranni: Over a week after her husband’s heartbreaking suicide, caused by financial distress over their son’s education expenses, a teacher in Ranni finally received her long-pending salary arrears. Lekha Ravindran, a teacher at St Joseph’s School in Naranammuzhi, was credited with ₹29 lakh, part of a 12-year salary backlog, directly into her bank account.

Officials from the Education Department have informed her that the remaining ₹23 lakh will be cleared through the provident fund. Lekha’s husband V T Shijo (47) from Athikkayam Vadakkecharuvil took his own life on August 3. Following his death, widespread protests and criticism compelled authorities to expedite the release of the salary arrears.

Shijo was unable to arrange funds for their son’s engineering admission, which led to his mental anguish and tragic decision. Despite Lekha joining service in 2012, her appointment was embroiled in disputes, delaying her salary and benefits. The Kerala High Court’s order on November 26, 2024, paved the way for her due salary and benefits.

Subsequently, on January 17, 2025, the government directed the District Education Officer to take action accordingly. However, despite intervention at ministerial levels, the arrears remained unpaid for a long time.

After Shijo’s death sparked protests, three officials at the District Education Office were suspended over delays in salary disbursement. Although the Education Director instructed the school manager to suspend the headmistress, this order was not implemented. Instead, the headmistress secured a court order to block the suspension.