Govt to conduct entrance test for appointments in aided schools? minister withdraws Facebook post within minutes

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: General Education Minister V. Sivankutty has hinted that the state government is considering the introduction of an entrance test for teacher appointments in aided schools, even though the power to appoint teachers lies with school managements. He shared this note through Facebook, but it was deleted shortly afterwards. In the post, the minister stated that the move is expected to help ensure quality education in the state.

'While the authority to appoint teachers in aided schools rests with the managements, the government is considering conducting an entrance test before appointments. This step is expected to help ensure quality education for every child,' the withdrawn note read.

The minister had earlier pointed out that school managers of aided institutions should show more responsibility in the matter of teachers. He also mentioned that many teachers in such schools are forced to do household jobs. The minister urged managements to set up committees to study teachers’ problems, adding that the government will support such efforts.

He further said that if a student fails in a class, the first responsibility lies with the teacher. He further announced that from next year, the Teacher’s Award prize money will be increased to Rs 25,000.