THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For the first time, the government ordered reservation in teaching and non-teaching appointments in educational institutions under Devaswom boards in the state, including for backward and scheduled communities. Appointment should be subject to reservation as per PSC. Non-Hindus will also get a chance for appointment when PSC follows the pattern of reserved appointment in educational institutions of the Boards.

At present there is reservation only in appointments to offices and temples under Devaswom Boards. Kerala Kaumudi had published several articles demanding that reservation should be applied in teaching and non-teaching appointments in educational institutions. A case is pending in the High Court in this regard. The pressure on the state government was also strong.

Devaswom Minister K. Radhakrishnan chaired the meeting of the officials of five Devaswom Boards and Devaswom Recruitment Board held on the 22nd to implement the reservation. Devaswom Secretary M G Rajamanikyam issued an order yesterday evening instructing the Devaswom Boards to prepare regulations related to this and implement the decision.

Appointments to Hindus in offices and temples in Devaswom Boards are made through the Devaswom Recruitment Board. The High Court is considering a petition filed by a candidate named Jinesh Joshi against the denial of reservation in the appointment of Assistant Professors in Travancore Devaswom Board Colleges.

Less than 5 percent representation

1. Seven colleges in three Devaswom Boards and 20 including Higher Secondary schools. Out of this four colleges and 19 schools are under Travancore Devaswom Board

2. Two colleges under Kochi Devaswom Board. One college under Guruvayoor Devaswom

3. Current Backward and Scheduled Caste representation in appointments in these institutions is less than 5 percent.