UPST Rank Holders Association in Kerala calls off Secretariat protest

General Education Minister N. Samsudheen interacting with representatives of the UPST Rank Holders Association in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday (August 14, 2026). | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement The Upper Primary School Teacher (UPST) Rank Holders Association called off its 17-day protest in front of the Secretariat following an assurance from General Education Minister N. Samsudheen on Friday (August 14, 2026).The association had demanded that the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) stop issuing notifications repeatedly without reporting vacancies. It also sought an extension of the existing rank list so that more candidates could be appointed before its expiry.During a meeting held with representatives of the association, Mr. Samsudheen assured the protesters that both demands would be considered sympathetically.The Minister also informed them that the government would require 45 days to study their demand for appointing PSC-ranked candidates to HTV (Head Teacher Vacancy) posts and other issues concerning the teacher-student ratio in government schools that face the loss of posts.Lack of teachersThe representatives of the rank holders’ association also informed the Minister that there were no upper primary teachers in model residential schools and fisheries schools. Based on their representation, the Minister directed the Director General of Education (DGE) to examine the possibility of making appointments to these institutions from the existing UP school rank lists of the respective districts and to take appropriate action.The protesters ultimately agreed to withdraw from their protest based on the Minister’s assurance that the demands raised by them would be examined during the period and that those found favourable would be implemented at the earliest.DGE Snehil Kumar and other senior officials also participated in the discussions. Published - August 14, 2026 04:41 pm IST