Representative image | Photo: Mathrubhumi Archives
Palakkad: Evoked by a complaint raised by a Palakkad based activist, the education department is planning to seek public opinion to decide whether sir-madam salutations in the educational institutions should be scrapped.
According to the complainant Boban Mattumantha, such salutations in educational institutions legitimise sexism and blot civic sense. He pointed out that salutation using gender neutral terms like teacher can ensure gender justice.
Over the matter, public education department and higher education department are planning to seek public opinion. The move comes after the direction of Education Minister V Sivankutty. According to the Director of Public Instruction, the required measures will be taken after deliberating over the matter in the quality improvement conference.
The same will be discussed with teachers’ unions, the director informed. Similarly, council member secretary of higher education department informed that matter is under its consideration and examination.
Earlier an academician from Chittur college batted for scrapping sir-madam salutations in college. However, it evoked a mixed response from the fraternity with most siding with traditional sir-madam salutations. Notably, at Senior Basic School in Olasserry (Kodumba) sir-madam salutations have been scrapped.