The AKSTU organized a massive march to the DDE office in Thiruvananthapuram, demanding the withdrawal of the PM SHRI scheme and improvements in teacher service conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • AKSTU protests against the PM SHRI scheme, citing threats to public education.
  • Demands include 12th Pay Revision implementation and withdrawal of CPS.
  • Teachers seek better infrastructure and protection against school closures.

In a significant escalation of educational unrest, the All Kerala School Teachers’ Union (AKSTU) organized a massive march and dharna in front of the Deputy Director of Education (DDE) office in Thiruvananthapuram. The protest was spearheaded by the Thiruvananthapuram district committee as part of a larger statewide agitation against current educational policies and service-related grievances.

The Fight Against PM SHRI

The central point of contention is the implementation of the PM SHRI (Prime Minister’s Schools for Rising India) scheme, linked to the National Education Policy. The union argues that such moves are designed to "weaken" the public education sector in favor of other models. Teachers are demanding that both the Union and State governments abandon these initiatives to preserve the sanctity of state-run schools.

Beyond the PM SHRI scheme, the protesters raised several critical issues, including the implementation of the 12th Pay Revision Commission recommendations and the complete withdrawal of the contributory pension scheme. There is also a pressing demand to revise the teacher-student ratio based on birth rates to safeguard teaching positions.

Why This Matters: BozokMedia Analysis

BozokMedia analysis shows that this protest highlights a deep-seated friction between centralized educational reforms and the established public education frameworks of states like Kerala. The demand to prevent the closure of "uneconomic" schools suggests a fear of rural educational disenfranchisement.

The tension between national policy implementation and state-level educational stability is reaching a tipping point in Kerala.

The protest was inaugurated by AKSTU State General Secretary O.K. Jayakrishnan, with several prominent leaders including Praveen S. and Pallichal Vijayan in attendance. The union remains steadfast in its demand for permanent solutions to issues faced by educators from pre-primary to higher secondary levels.

Did You Know?: Kerala consistently ranks as one of India's top states for literacy, making its educational policies a focal point for national debate.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the primary reason for the AKSTU march?
The primary reason is to protest against the PM SHRI scheme and demand better service conditions for teachers.

2. What are the specific financial demands of the teachers?
They are demanding the implementation of the 12th Pay Revision and the withdrawal of the contributory pension scheme.