Diocesan schools face surplus staff and recruitment changes

MARTHANDAM, Tamil Nadu (Indian Catholic News) — Bishop Vincent Paulos Kulapuravilai of Marthandam has issued mandatory guidelines ordering teachers to pass eligibility tests, requiring staff to boost declining student enrolment, and urging non-salaried staff to seek alternative employment.

“In our diocesan schools, 131 teaching and non-teaching staff members are currently employed receiving state government salaries,” Syro Malankara Bishop Kulapuravilai said, outlining critical administrative directives for schools in the diocese.

“Owing to a significant drop in student enrolment, the Department of Education has declared 5 percent of the teaching staff surplus” he said.

He added that “35 additional teachers have been appointed to teach in self-financing section classes,” noting it “has become exceptionally difficult for these teachers to secure government salaries.”

Strict recruitment and roster rules

Addressing qualifications, Bishop Kulapuravilai emphasized that hiring must conform to legal mandates.

“As per Supreme Court orders, passing the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) has been made mandatory for appointment as Graduate Teachers and Secondary Grade Teachers,” Bishop Kulapuravilai said.

“Therefore, in our institutions, recruitments for the academic year 2026-2027 shall be conducted strictly in accordance with government guidelines. Consequently, it is imperative that all teachers qualify in the Teacher Eligibility Test.”

The priority list of applicants registered with the Diocesan Education Office “shall be prepared and maintained strictly on the basis of B.Ed. pass merit.” Applicants must renew their registrations annually with their B.Ed. degree certificate.

“If registration is not renewed within one month from the specified date, their names shall be removed from the priority list without any prior notice,” Bishop Kulapuravilai warned.

Enrolment drive and structural changes

Bishop Kulapuravilai clarified administrative roles, noting that the Bishop of the Diocese serves as General Manager of its schools, while the Parish Priest where each school is located “is appointed by the bishop as its Local Manager.” They are tasked to “render cooperation and counsel to the Correspondent of Malankara Syrian Catholic (MSC) schools regarding school infrastructure and other related matters.”

Bishop Kulapuravilai urged non-salaried staff to look elsewhere due to falling student numbers.

“Year after year, student enrolment in our schools has been declining significantly. It is extremely difficult for teachers serving in non-government-approved posts to secure regular appointments,” Bishop Kulapuravilai said. “Therefore, it is essential that they seek alternative employment.”

To counter the drop, salaried staff are expected to intervene directly.

“Salaried teachers must take active measures by visiting students’ homes, interacting with parents, and taking necessary steps to ensure students continue their studies in our schools,” Bishop Kulapuravilai stated. “Salaried teachers must undertake collective efforts in the public interest to increase student enrolment.”

Concluding his circular, Bishop Kulapuravilai wrote, “May the Lord encourage all teachers and staff to carry out their educational ministry as a divine ministry efficiently!”

Full statement available: original Malayalam and AI‑generated English translation.