Headmaster appointment in legal quagmire; K-TET teachers to approach court

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government's move to temporarily appoint headmasters lacking the K-TET qualification got into legal trouble. Teachers with K-TET are preparing to approach the court, citing the Supreme Court's ruling.

The Supreme Court has ruled that only those with K-TET qualifications should be appointed as teachers and head masters. However, if implemented in the state, many teachers risk losing their seniority. Junior teachers will get promotions. As confusion persists, the appointment of headmasters to more than 1,500 schools is facing a deadlock. Senior teachers have been given headmaster charge since June 1. When this started affecting the functioning of schools, the seniority list was prepared, including those without K-TET. Those with K-TET qualifications will be appointed permanently, and those without K-TET will be appointed temporarily. Those without K-TET will have to give a consent letter stating that they will abide by the court order and government directives.

The government has the power to review the promotion. It should be made clear in the consent letter that the additional benefits received while working as a headmaster will be returned with retroactive effect. Meanwhile, teachers with K-TET qualifications insist that only K-TET teachers be considered for the post. They are planning to approach the court as soon as the promotion order is issued. However, the government argues that the temporary appointment is not a violation of the court order. It is only an arrangement to ensure that the functioning of the schools is not disrupted.