The UDF government’s decision to dismiss mentor teachers from Scheduled Tribe communities is deeply unjust. These mentor teachers were appointed by the LDF government to provide academic support to tribal students and to prevent school dropouts among some of Kerala’s most marginalised communities. Yet the government has now terminated 308 teachers working across Wayanad, Palakkad and Malappuram districts.
Under the Gothrabandhu scheme, these teachers were entrusted with teaching students from Classes 1 to 4 on a monthly remuneration of ₹21,900. Qualified tribal youth with TTC and B.Ed qualifications were appointed to these positions. However, the government has now decided not to continue the services of the existing teachers during the current academic year. Acting on the directive of the Director of the Scheduled Tribes Development Department, ITDP Project Officers issued the orders, leaving these teachers unable to rejoin duty when schools reopened.
As a result, 241 mentor teachers in Wayanad, 50 in Palakkad and 17 in Malappuram have lost their jobs. Many of them have been serving for nearly nine years. This decision will seriously affect the educational progress of tribal students and undermine efforts to prevent dropouts.
The appointment of tribal mentor teachers in 2016 was among the most transformative initiatives introduced by the LDF government. Kerala became the first state in the country to implement such a dedicated educational support system for tribal students through the Scheduled Tribes Development Department.
The scheme enabled teachers to communicate with students in their own languages, making learning more accessible and effective. It played a crucial role in reducing dropout rates while simultaneously creating employment opportunities for tribal youth. In doing so, it not only strengthened the educational advancement of tribal children but also contributed to the social and economic upliftment of tribal families. A majority of these teachers belong to some of the most marginalised tribal communities, including the Adiya, Paniya, Kattunaikka and Oorali communities.
Even during April and May, these teachers remained actively engaged in educational work, including efforts to enrol students in higher classes and ensure their continued participation in schooling. It is these very workers, who have dedicated years to advancing tribal education, who have now been thrown out of employment.
The dismissed mentor teachers are now on the path of struggle. Their demands are just and legitimate. The government must immediately withdraw this decision and reinstate all the mentor teachers without delay.
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