Ahead of polls, KC(M) scores big with relaxation on school appointments

As Assembly elections approach, the State government’s move on aided school appointments delivers a major boost to the Kerala Congress (M) in its bid to reconnect with the traditional vote base in central Travancore.

Catholic school managements in central Travancore had long protested that teacher appointments outside Nair Service Society-run institutions could not proceed without meeting quotas for differently abled candidates. While the Catholic Church has described the latest decision as `delayed’ and noted that it would benefit managements across communities, the KC(M) has wasted no time framing the move as a significant win, demonstrating its lobbying clout within the coalition.

“We had been closely following up with the government for a favourable decision on this issue, which will benefit 20,000 teachers,” said Jose K. Mani, KC(M) chairman. While also acknowledging that the decision remains subject to Supreme Court approval, he added that `the government would not be wasting any time to begin implementing it’

LDF sources said the groundwork for the move was laid last September when a KC(M) delegation led by Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine met General Education Minister V. Sivankutty and secured assurances to examine and act on the issue. Mr. Mani, on his part, also raised the matter with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during one of his visits. Following these discussions, the State government consulted the Advocate General and senior advocates to ensure the decision aligned with a 2025 Supreme Court verdict obtained by the NSS.

The rival Kerala Congress faction, led b P.J. Joseph, too had raised the matter in the Assembly through a calling attention motion.

Commenting on the development, a senior CPI(M) leader noted that the support extended to the KC(M) via this and other measures forms part of a deliberate strategy to reinforce the party’s pro-farmer, pro-Catholic credentials. “Legislative and policy measures such as the Kerala Land Assignment (Amendment) Act, the draft Wildlife Protection (Kerala Amendment) Bill, and the hike in natural rubber support prices clearly reflect pro-farmer policies championed by the KC(M) and help it reach its key Catholic vote bank. By addressing the long-standing grievances of Catholic school managements, the LDF not only consolidates KC(M)’s position but also neutralises a potential pre-election flashpoint,” he said.