Preraks in the lurch after a lifetime dedicated to literacy

They are now forced to fend for themselves with meagre honorariums

Persevering to help the State achieve 100% literacy was kind of an addiction for Balakrishnan E., a Saksharatha Prerak for Kunnamangalam grama panchayat. He was just one of the hot-blooded educated youngsters, who, back in the nineties, threw away possibilities of well-paying careers, to be part of the mission to promote literacy. Over 20 years down the line, Balakrishnan, like most other Preraks, feels that he spoiled his future, though he is satisfied with his accomplishments. “Most people we guided to complete standards 4, 7 and 10 equivalency tests have advanced much in their life and careers, while we are left in the lurch unable to make both ends meet,” said Vijayan A.P., another Prerak from Kunnamangalam. There are 1,800 Saksharatha Preraks in the State who work for meagre honorariums ranging from ₹8000 to ₹10000. Still, they are forced to work without much rest throughout the year. “State- and district-level officials are paid ₹80,000 to ₹1 lakh a month, while most of us have not received honorariums for at least six months, and some have not even received the money in a year,” Mr. Balakrishnan said.