Thiruvananthapuram: The government’s decision to extend the exemption previously granted to the Nair Service Society (NSS) in aided school appointments to other managements has been warmly welcomed by community and Church leaders. Syro-Malabar Church spokesperson Fr. Tom Olikkarott described the move as a positive step toward ensuring justice in the appointment of differently-abled teachers.
The Supreme Court order in favor of the NSS regarding reservation for differently-abled teachers had resolved a long-standing dispute, and the government’s subsequent decision to broaden the scope of this exemption is expected to benefit nearly 16,000 teachers across the state who have been awaiting appointments. The announcement, made following a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister and attended by Education Minister V. Sivankutty and senior officials, provides hope for swift resolution of the backlog. Minister Sivankutty emphasized that the government will adopt a stance in line with the new decision when the court revisits issues concerning reservations for differently-abled teachers, offering reassurance to affected educators.
Christian organizations and Church authorities had repeatedly highlighted the growing crisis in approving teaching posts due to delays in differently-abled appointments. Syro-Malabar Church Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil had formally appealed to the Chief Minister to ensure that the benefits of the Supreme Court order for NSS management are applied uniformly across all other aided school managements. KCBC President Cardinal Baselios Mar Cleemis also met the Chief Minister to advocate for equitable implementation, while Education Minister Sivankutty maintained close communications with Changanassery Archbishop Mar Thomas Tharayil on the matter.
The issue had previously sparked protests at multiple locations, led by the Catholic Teachers Guild, against what was perceived as “double justice” in the handling of differently-abled reservations. The government’s decision to acknowledge these demands, though delayed, is being seen as a triumph for democratic engagement and moral accountability.
Fr. Tom Olikkarott lauded the administration’s transparent and receptive approach, stating that the extension of the NSS exemption to other managements not only resolves an administrative impasse but also reinforces fairness and inclusivity in Kerala’s education system. The move is widely expected to accelerate pending appointments and provide long-awaited relief to teachers who have been waiting for justice for years.