NSS objects to employment exchange route for temporary appointments in Kerala schools

Published 26 July 2026 · india

The Nair Service Society (NSS) has opposed the State government’s decision to make appointments to temporary teaching vacancies in aided schools through the employment exchange

The Nair Service Society (NSS) has opposed the State government’s decision to make appointments to temporary teaching vacancies in aided schools through the employment exchange, contending that the move infringes on the statutory powers of school managers and could affect the quality of education. In a statement, NSS general secretary G. Sukumaran Nair said the directive of the Director of General Education requiring the managements of aided educational institutions to make appointments to temporary vacancies, including leave vacancies, only from the list provided by the employment exchange is unacceptable.

He pointed out that the move deprives schools managements of the appointment powers vested in them under the Kerala Education Act and Rules. “Under Section 11 of the Kerala Education Act and Chapter XIV A of the Kerala Education Rules, the manager of an aided school alone is vested with the authority to make all appointments, including those to teaching and non-teaching posts. By directing that even temporary vacancies be filled through the employment exchange, the Director of General Education is, in effect, seeking to amend the Act and the Rules through a mere circular,” Mr. Nair said.

‘Unfair advantage’ He further alleged that the move would disproportionately benefit candidates belonging to reserved categories while adversely affecting those in the unreserved category. “It is also an encroachment on the appointment powers of school managers. Managements have the Constitutional right under Article 19 (1) (g) to run educational institutions, and the circular infringes upon that right,” he said. Nair also expressed concern over the impact on the quality of education, particularly at the higher secondary level, where subject-specific academic qualifications are crucial. ‘Quality will be hit’ “Appointments through the employment exchange are based primarily on seniority.

This could affect the quality of education. Moreover, temporary vacancies arising unexpectedly due to maternity or medical leave require immediate appointments to ensure that students’ studies are not disrupted. The delay involved in obtaining lists from the employment exchange will adversely affect teaching,” he said. Describing the directive as discriminatory and contrary to the spirit of the aided school system, Mr. Nair urged the government to withdraw it immediately.