Kochi: Archbishop Mar Thomas Tharayil, Chairman of the Syro-Malabar Church Central Commission, Convener of the Public Affairs Commission, and Member of the Education Commission, has strongly criticized State Education Minister V. Sivankutty’s recent remarks on teacher appointments in aided schools under Christian managements. The Archbishop described the minister’s statement as “misleading and malicious,” accusing him of distorting facts to create misconceptions in society.
Archbishop Tharayil pointed out that thousands of teachers in Christian aided managements are suffering severe hardship due to delays and loopholes in permanent appointments. While the protests of these teachers continue, he said it was regrettable that instead of resolving the matter, the minister has resorted to targeting Christian managements with false claims.
Clarifying the position of Christian managements, the Archbishop emphasized that they have never opposed reservations for differently-abled candidates. On the contrary, managements have:
• Filed affidavits affirming their willingness to comply with the reservation policy,
• Set aside vacancies specifically for differently-abled candidates, and
• Officially informed the government of these steps.
Despite this, the Archbishop said, the government itself has failed to implement these appointments properly and on time. As a result, both differently-abled candidates and other teachers remain deprived of their rights, with thousands left without salaries.
Archbishop Tharayil also criticized the government’s refusal to implement the Supreme Court verdict obtained by the Nair Service Society (NSS) on similar grounds. He stressed that the same principles should apply to other educational managements as well, but the government is deliberately withholding them. “If the government insists that every individual or organization must approach the court to secure civil rights, then what is the responsibility of a democratic government?” the Archbishop asked.
According to Archbishop Tharayil, the real issue lies in the government’s failure to fulfill its constitutional duty. By portraying Christian managements as obstacles to the appointment of differently-abled persons, the education minister is, in his words, “misleading the public and spreading misconceptions.” He urged the minister to stop deflecting blame and instead take accountability for resolving the appointment crisis, which has pushed teachers and their families into financial despair.
“The responsibility of a government is to uphold justice, not to create divisions or spread propaganda. If the government continues to evade responsibility, its credibility will be seriously questioned,” Archbishop Tharayil warned.