65 teachers and 12 non-teaching staff are accused in POCSO cases; will take stern action against employees involved in POCSO cases, says General Education Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister V. Sivankutty has announced that the government will enforce stricter disciplinary measures against teaching and non-teaching staff under the Department of General Education in Kerala who are involved in POCSO cases. The government has already initiated disciplinary actions in several cases and decided to start proceedings in pending cases. The Director of General Education has been entrusted with overseeing this process. The minister reiterated that the government’s declared policy is to protect the victims.

Currently, there are 77 reported POCSO cases involving employees under the department—65 teachers and 12 non-teaching staff. In the POCSO cases where departmental disciplinary proceedings have been completed, one person was given compulsory retirement, nine individuals were dismissed from service, and one was removed from service. In total, strict disciplinary action has been taken against 45 employees. The remaining cases are being processed swiftly, the minister added.

Three POCSO cases have been registered in the Vocational Higher Secondary sector. Disciplinary action is ongoing against all three accused employees—two teachers and one laboratory technical assistant. These cases are currently under judicial consideration.

In the Higher Secondary sector, 14 teachers from government schools and 7 from aided institutions have been suspended and face legal action for their involvement in POCSO cases. Notably, during the 2024–2025 academic year, 2 teachers from government higher secondary schools and 2 from aided schools were among those involved. The minister noted that, compared to previous years, the number of such cases has declined.