Kerala's PSC Teacher Rank List Extension Draws Mixed Reactions

The Kerala Cabinet's decision to extend the validity of 18 Public Service Commission (PSC) rank lists for teacher appointments in government schools by six months has received a divided response. While many rank holders have welcomed the reprieve, Left-affiliated teachers' organisations have sharply criticised the move as insufficient.

The extension applies to rank lists for teaching posts from pre-primary to higher secondary levels that were scheduled to expire in September, October, and November of this year.

Swathi G., a high school teacher (English) rank holder from Ernakulam, described the decision as a compassionate step that protects candidates affected by administrative delays. She noted that the current government's approach has restored confidence among aspirants after prolonged uncertainty. For HST English candidates, she stressed that the next crucial step is the sanctioning of additional posts following staff fixation. Pointing to a five-year-old High Court directive on creating a cadre for high school English teachers, she said the delay had caused despair, but the change in government has brought fresh momentum. She urged the administration to sanction corresponding additional posts in government schools, which would enable permanent appointments through the PSC.

The Kerala Pradesh School Teachers' Association also welcomed the move. Its general secretary, B. Sunil Kumar, said the decision brings relief to rank holders, noting that the affected lists were nearing their three-year completion. He added that the PSC can now extend these lists without procedural hurdles.

However, the Kerala School Teachers' Association (KSTA) condemned the decision as a betrayal. General Secretary TKA Shafi argued that new posts cannot be sanctioned mid-academic year and demanded a reduction in the teacher-student ratio to create vacancies. He recalled that the previous UDF government also extended rank lists multiple times but made few appointments.

The All Kerala School Teachers' Union (AKSTU) echoed this criticism, alleging the government is trying to hoodwink job aspirants. General Secretary O.K. Jayakrishnan cited the sixth-day headcount showing a significant fall in teacher posts in government schools. He argued that extending rank lists for non-existent posts violates promises made to candidates and reiterated the demand for a lower teacher-student ratio to generate actual appointments.