Appointment of Special Educators: Minister Says Government Action is Fast-Paced

Thiruvananthapuram: Education Minister V. Shivankutty has announced that the government is seriously considering the appointment of special educators to ensure better support for children with special needs in the state. The Minister stated that, at present, steps are underway at the government level to permanently appoint eligible candidates among the 2,707 special educators currently working in Kerala on a contractual basis.

According to the Supreme Court verdict, all states and union territories must provide posts for special educators to facilitate education for differently-abled children. These posts should be advertised on the websites of the government and the Department of Education, as well as in leading newspapers. The Court has specifically noted that the qualifications recommended by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) are mandatory in the appointment process.

The law recommends forming a three-member screening committee to verify the qualifications of special educators who have been working on a contractual or daily-wage basis for at least 20 years, in order to consider their permanent appointment. Based on this, the government has issued an order constituting a three-member screening committee consisting of the State Commissioner for the Differently Abled, the Secretary of the General Education Department, and a representative from RCI. This committee will review the teachers qualifications, consider any age relaxations, and take the necessary steps for their appointment on the appropriate salary scale.

On this matter, the government has already held discussions with the leadership of KRTA, the organisation representing special educators. The affidavit submitted in court confirms the time required for permanent appointments. However, it is unfortunate that some people are misinterpreting the contents of this affidavit and spreading misinformation. The LDF government remains committed to protecting the interests of special educators.

Following the guidelines of the Central Ministry of Education, teacher service will be ensured at the elementary level at a ratio of 10:1, and at the middle and secondary levels at a ratio of 15:1. The government is also considering including schools under a cluster system to make the services of special educators more efficient, the Minister explained.