KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday upheld the amendment brought by the government in April to the Kerala Education Rule (KER) to include provisions including the need for prior approval of the government to create additional posts or divisions in schools.

Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan gave the verdict dismissing the petition filed by K Mani, the state general secretary of the Private School (Aided) Managers Association and manager of Kollam Cherivelinallur KPMHSS, alleging that the amendments were in violation of the Right to Education Act. The verdict said that the amendment was according to the policy decision of the government and the court cannot interfere in it

Apart from requiring the prior approval of the government for the additional post and division, another condition is that the additional division or post will come into effect only from 1st October every year. Staff fixation will be effective from 15th July every year. If it is found that the number of children has been exaggerated, action will be taken against the responsible Manager, Education Officer, Headmaster, Vice Principal and Class Teacher. The financial loss incurred by the government due to this will be recovered from them.