The protest by Lower Primary School Teacher (LPST) PSC rank holders in Kerala has entered its 36th consecutive day, with candidates continuing their sit-in outside the State Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram. The demonstrators are demanding that the Kerala government begin appointments from the Public Service Commission (PSC) rank list published in May 2025, arguing that prolonged delays are jeopardising the careers of thousands of aspiring teachers.
The agitation has intensified in recent days, with an indefinite hunger strike by association leaders and growing concerns among candidates over uncertainty surrounding government recruitment.
Why Are Kerala LPST Rank Holders Protesting?
The protest is being led by the All Kerala Lower Primary School Teacher Rank Holders' Association, which says qualified candidates have been waiting for appointments despite successfully clearing the PSC recruitment process.
According to the association, the current rank list was published in May 2025, but appointments have not progressed as expected. Candidates argue that recruitment from the existing list should begin immediately before its validity expires.
The protesters believe the delay has left many qualified candidates in prolonged uncertainty despite fulfilling all recruitment requirements.
Hunger Strike Intensifies the Agitation
As the protest entered its sixth week, association secretary Valarmathi S continued an indefinite hunger strike, which has now crossed nearly two weeks.
The hunger strike has become the focal point of the agitation, with demonstrators urging the government to initiate appointments without further delay.
Protesters have maintained that the issue is not limited to individual appointments but concerns the functioning and transparency of teacher recruitment across the state.
Key Demands of the Protesters
The LPST rank holders have placed several demands before the Kerala government, including:
- Immediate appointments from the May 2025 PSC rank list.
- Timely reporting of vacancies by schools to the Kerala Public Service Commission.
- Transparent recruitment based on officially reported vacancies.
- Implementation of a 1:25 teacher-student ratio.
- Filling head teacher vacancies through PSC recruitment.
- Ending direct recruitment by aided school managements for eligible posts.
- Protection of teaching posts affected by declining student enrolment.
- Extension of the current PSC rank list if appointments continue to be delayed.
The association argues that these measures would improve fairness and efficiency in teacher recruitment while ensuring deserving candidates receive appointments.
Candidates Speak About Growing Anxiety
Many candidates say the prolonged wait has taken an emotional and financial toll.
One protester from Palakkad, who secured a place on the LPST rank list after clearing the PSC examination, said she had expected appointments within the usual recruitment timeline after completing her teacher training.
However, months of uncertainty have created anxiety, with candidates facing constant questions from family and society about when they will receive appointment orders.
Several aspirants say the possibility of the rank list expiring before appointments are made has become one of their biggest concerns.
Separate PSC Recruitment Probe Continues
The ongoing protest comes at a time when Kerala is also investigating alleged irregularities in a separate PSC recruitment examination.
The state government has ordered an investigation into those allegations, with a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by senior police officials examining the matter.
However, the LPST protesters have clarified that their agitation is focused specifically on appointments from the already published teacher recruitment rank list and is separate from the ongoing investigation.
Why the Issue Matters
Teacher recruitment through the Kerala Public Service Commission is regarded as one of the primary pathways to permanent government teaching jobs in the state.
Any delay in appointments can affect:
- School staffing requirements.
- Career prospects of qualified candidates.
- Public confidence in recruitment processes.
- Availability of teachers in government schools.
Candidates argue that prompt recruitment is essential not only for their employment but also for strengthening the state's public education system.
What Happens Next?
With the protest entering its 36th day, demonstrators have indicated they will continue their agitation until the government provides a clear roadmap for appointments.
As discussions continue, candidates remain hopeful that the authorities will expedite recruitment from the existing rank list before its validity period lapses.
Key Highlights
- Kerala LPST PSC rank holders have been protesting for 36 days.
- Protesters are demanding appointments from the May 2025 PSC rank list.
- Association leaders have intensified the agitation through an indefinite hunger strike.
- Candidates are seeking transparent vacancy reporting and quicker recruitment.
- Protesters also want the current rank list extended if appointments continue to be delayed.
- The agitation is separate from the ongoing probe into alleged PSC examination irregularities.
FAQ
Why are Kerala LPST teachers protesting?
They are demanding immediate appointments from the PSC rank list published in May 2025 and greater transparency in teacher recruitment.
How long has the protest continued?
The agitation has entered its 36th consecutive day outside the Kerala Secretariat.
What are the protesters demanding?
Their demands include appointments from the existing rank list, transparent vacancy reporting, extension of the rank list if required, and reforms in teacher recruitment.
Is this related to the Kerala PSC examination controversy?
No. While a separate investigation into alleged PSC examination irregularities is underway, the LPST protest focuses specifically on delayed appointments from an existing recruitment list.
