Kochi: There is no opposition to implementing reservation for students in aided schools, but it is unjust to hold thousands of teachers hostage because the required personnel cannot be found.

Due to court orders mandating reservation for minority groups and subsequent government directives, teacher recruitment in aided schools has come to a halt. While the management welcomes the court's decision to enforce a certain percentage of reservation for backward classes, there is a shortage of qualified teachers in many subjects. However, the government insists that no other regulations will be approved unless the reservation for minorities is implemented.

As a result, thousands of teachers have been deprived of their rightful salaries for years, held back by unachievable rules due to lack of funds. There are approximately 16,000 teachers affected across the country. The issue remains unresolved, despite circulars issued to officials.

Since 1996, the system has mandated that three percent of students from various backgrounds be appointed in schools, and four percent from 2017. If this reservation is not implemented, other teachers cannot secure permanent positions and will remain daily wage earners. The government previously stated that permanent appointments would be granted once the reservation process was completed, but many schools still cannot meet the reservation requirements due to a shortage of qualified candidates in certain subjects.

The government should acknowledge this issue. If the reservation for other groups is not followed as per the decisions made, rules introduced after November 8, 2021, may not be considered permanent. This would mean that teachers will continue to work as temporary employees without job security until the reservation is fully implemented.

Though this situation might save the government money by avoiding higher wages, benefits, and paid leave, it is fundamentally unfair. Moreover, teachers employed on a daily wage basis cannot claim permanent positions, even in court.

Out of the 14,205 schools in the state, 8,210 are aided schools, underscoring their significant role in the education sector. Aided schools play a pivotal role that cannot be compared to the standards of government schools.

The education minister’s response to this issue has been technical and lacks substance. The directive for education officers to follow the court's order is vague, as no one willingly defies a High Court ruling. It is crucial to ensure that aided schools are not unfairly blamed for corruption or lawlessness.

Finally, the government should investigate whether aided schools are struggling financially or resorting to extortion to survive. The education sector in the state is facing serious challenges that require urgent attention and action.