In a stinging rebuke that cut through the silence surrounding teacher recruitment in government-aided schools, the Kerala High Court has asked a blunt question: Are appointments based on anything but merit?
Justice DK Singh, while hearing a petition filed by a group of aggrieved teachers, appeared visibly disturbed by what he described as unchecked discretion handed over to school managements. “As things stand, the Manager holds the reins, appointing anyone technically qualified, no transparency, no advertisement, no selection process,” the Court remarked.
But that wasn’t the most damning part.
The Court noted a troubling pattern—what it described as a “prima facie nexus” between school managements and officials within the Education Department. In plain terms, a quiet collusion may be underway—one that bypasses qualifications and sidelines deserving candidates in favor of those with the right ‘connections.’
“If appointments are made not on merit but for other considerations, what does that say about the future of our schools?” the Court asked.
Clearly not satisfied with vague responses, the Court directed the Director General of Education to personally file an affidavit detailing what corrective steps can be taken to implement a fair selection mechanism. If that isn’t done, the DGE has been told to appear in person.
Further, the Court wants answers about how selection committees are formed—does the Manager handpick them at will, or does the Government have a say? The Principal Secretary of General Education has also been roped in to clarify these points through a separate affidavit.
The next hearing is scheduled for Friday, June 20, and all eyes will be on how deep this rabbit hole goes.
One thing is clear—the Court has thrown down the gauntlet. Whether the system responds with reform or resistance remains to be seen.
