Kerala: 37 day LPST hunger strike ends after ministerial talks
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 11
The 37-day indefinite hunger strike by LPST rank holders outside the Kerala Secretariat has finally been called off following a crucial meeting with Education Minister N. Shamsudeen, bringing temporary relief to a prolonged agitation over recruitment and teacher vacancies.
The hunger strike was withdrawn after the government gave assurances on the demands raised by the rank holders. In the presence of the minister, S. Valarmathi, who had been leading the hunger strike, ended her fast after Shamsudeen personally gave her lime juice.
However, the rank holders made it clear that they were not calling off the agitation in its entirety.
They said they would not completely withdraw from the protest venue until the government implemented its assurances and that symbolic forms of protest would continue.
The protesters, comprising LPST and UPST rank holders, have been demanding an extension of the validity of the PSC rank list, appointments against the maximum possible number of vacancies from the list, and creation of additional posts by reducing the student-teacher ratio.
The agitation had intensified after the government sought two months' time to examine the demands.
The rank holders rejected the request and continued their protest, resorting to a series of unconventional demonstrations to highlight what they described as government inaction.
On the 35th day of the LPST agitation, candidates staged a symbolic protest by eating grass on the street, drawing considerable public attention.
The UPST rank holders, whose protest had continued for more than 11 days, adopted another unusual method, painting clown faces on themselves to protest what they alleged was the government's indifference to their demands.
The health condition of Valarmathi, who had been on hunger strike, deteriorated during the protest, increasing pressure on the government to intervene.
The situation eventually led to minister-level negotiations, during which the government assured the protesters that their demands would be considered favourably.
The assurances paved the way for the withdrawal of the indefinite hunger strike.
The development is being seen as a temporary truce rather than the complete end of the agitation.
The rank holders have warned that they will continue symbolic protests from the venue until concrete action is taken on the government's commitments.
The dispute centres on the prospects of candidates on the PSC rank lists, with the protesters seeking greater utilisation of the existing lists and more teaching posts to address vacancies in schools.
For now, the ministerial intervention has brought an end to the 37-day hunger strike, but the government faces the task of translating its assurances into concrete decisions to prevent the agitation from gathering fresh momentum.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The grass-eating protest on day 35 was so symbolic and heartbreaking. These are educated young people desperate for jobs, and they had to resort to such extremes just to be heard. Shame on the system that makes qualified teachers eat grass on the street for their rights. 🙏
As someone working in education policy abroad, I find it shocking that qualified teachers in Kerala have to fight this hard for basic recruitment. The student-teacher ratio needs urgent attention everywhere, not just in Kerala. Hope the minister's assurances translate into real action soon.
The clown face protest by UPST rank holders was actually a powerful statement about how the government treats them - like a joke. But 37 days of hunger strike is dangerous. No job is worth risking your life. I'm relieved Valarmathi finally ended her fast. Hope the government keeps its word this time.
Kerala prides itself on education, but this situation is embarrassing. Qualified rank holders being treated like this while politicians sit in AC offices. The PSC rank list validity extension is a legitimate demand - these candidates have studied hard and waited years. Respect to their resilience, but this is no way to run a state.
Watching this from abroad, it's disheartening to see brilliant teachers in India struggle for basic employment rights. The government should have acted on the first day, not after 37 days of protest. Reducing student-teacher ratio should be a priority - it benefits everyone in the long run.
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