Teachers protest against govt. move to merge high school and higher secondary sections

The protest was held under the ageis of the Federation of Higher Secondary Teachers’ Association (FHSTA). The teachers observed black day by donning black badges and clothes in all higher secondary valuation camps on Monday

Higher Secondary (HS) teachers under the umbrella of the Federation of Higher Secondary Teachers’ Association (FHSTA) observed black day by donning black badges and clothes in all higher secondary valuation camps on Monday.

The teachers were protesting against the move to merge high school and higher secondary sections, action against teachers in connection with examinations, and the issue of 67 junior English HS teachers having to exit service.

The FHSTA State committee said it would oppose the merger at all costs since it was being implemented to align with the State government’s political interests.

The HS examination secretary’s stance that action would be taken against teachers in charge of examinations in schools if instances of copying were detected was a challenge to the higher secondary teachers.

Any reforms should be taken up after taking teachers and society in confidence and holding discussions. The second part of the Khader committee report had not been published though it was submitted to the government months ago. Reforms taken up citing the unpublished report would adversely affect the general education sector.

FHSTA State chairperson R. Arun Kumar led the protest in Thiruvananthapuram.