155 higher secondary schools in State lack principals

A significant issue has emerged in the state as 155 government higher secondary schools are currently without principals. The vacancies occurred due to the recent transfer of principals and retirements. The highest number of vacant principal positions is in Kasaragod, with 38 openings. Malappuram follows with 27, and Kannur has 26. Meanwhile, Pathanamthitta and Kozhikode each have one vacant post. In contrast, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, and Kottayam have no principal vacancies at all, according to recent figures presented in the State Assembly. These vacancies arose from the general transfer of principals in the 2024-25 academic year. The government has indicated that they are in the final stages of the promotion process for filling these positions. According to Kerala Education Rules, principals are appointed based on a specific ratio of higher secondary school teachers to high school head teachers. Currently, 103 higher secondary teachers and 51 head teachers or assistant education officers are eligible for promotion to principal for the 2023-24 year. However, only 51 head teachers qualify for promotion, which limits the number of higher secondary teachers who can be promoted. Abdul Jaleel, a representative from the Kerala Higher Secondary Teachers' Union, argues that the government needs to reconsider how they fill these vacancies. He suggests that instead of strictly adhering to the current promotion ratios, the government should allow high school head teachers to fill available positions, or look for other qualified higher secondary teachers. Jaleel also criticized the practice of promoting head teachers close to retirement to ensure they receive benefits, claiming this approach protects head teachers at the expense of higher secondary teachers. He believes that such promotions should be reconsidered.