A leader of Kerala's Lower Primary School Teacher (LPST) rank-holders' protest shaved her head on Monday and announced an indefinite hunger strike, intensifying a 113-day agitation demanding government appointments before the Public Service Commission (PSC) rank list expires.
Valarmathi, secretary of the Action Council and convenor of the protest committee, took the step outside the Kerala Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram, accusing the state government of delaying action on the candidates' demands despite repeated appeals.
Candidates Demand Immediate Appointments
The protesting candidates are seeking appointment orders for all eligible applicants included in the LPST rank list for government schools. They fear that continued delays could leave qualified candidates without jobs when the list expires.
Their other demands include bringing teacher appointments in aided schools under the Kerala PSC, addressing alleged cash-for-job practices in recruitment and reducing the teacher-student ratio to 1:25.
The protesters argue that transparent recruitment and timely reporting of vacancies are essential to ensure that eligible candidates receive appointments on merit.
Government's Assurance Fails to Satisfy Protesters
According to Valarmathi, Education Minister N. Samsudheen had called the representatives for discussions following an earlier 13-day hunger strike. She said the government had sought 45 days to resolve the issue.
However, the protesters remain dissatisfied, particularly after the government issued a circular permitting appointments in aided schools, which they say does not address their demand for recruitment through the PSC.
Valarmathi also questioned the government's explanation that financial constraints were preventing appointments and alleged that repeated requests for more time were attempts to weaken the agitation. Her allegations against the government have not been independently established.
Protesters Vow to Continue Agitation
The rank holders have continued their protest outside the Secretariat for more than three months, demanding a concrete decision from the government. Valarmathi said she had repeatedly attempted to meet Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan but had not secured a meeting.
The agitation highlights growing frustration among candidates who have cleared the recruitment process but are still waiting for appointment orders.
With the rank list's expiry approaching and no resolution acceptable to the protesters, the candidates have vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are addressed. The government has yet to announce a final resolution to the dispute.