Kochi Pre-Primary Teachers Challenge State Government in High Court Over Honorarium Disparity
In a significant development in Kochi, pre-primary teachers have filed a detailed affidavit in the High Court, leveling serious accusations against the state government. The educators allege that the administration has failed to enhance their monthly honorarium, citing fiscal constraints, while simultaneously approving a substantial increase in the wages paid to prisoners. This move has sparked widespread debate about the state's priorities in allocating financial resources.
Background of the Legal Battle
The affidavit was submitted as a direct response to an appeal preferred by the state government. This appeal challenges a previous order issued by a single bench of the court, which had mandated an increase in the honorarium for pre-primary teachers and their assistants, known as ayahs. According to the court's directive, the monthly honorarium for pre-primary teachers was to be fixed at Rs 27,500, while pre-primary ayahs were to receive Rs 22,500 per month. These revised rates were scheduled to take effect from March 2025, with disbursements beginning in April 2025.
However, the state government contested this order, filing an appeal that highlighted the enormous financial liability and fiscal burden associated with implementing the new honorarium structure. The government argued that such an increase would strain the state's budget and could not be accommodated under current economic conditions.
Teachers Highlight Contradictory Government Actions
In their affidavit, the pre-primary teachers presented a compelling counter-argument. They pointed out a glaring inconsistency in the state's position. While pleading financial hardship before the court, the government had, through an order dated January 9, enhanced the daily wages payable to prisoners incarcerated in state facilities. This decision, according to the teachers, directly contradicts the state's claims of fiscal incapacity.
As per the government's own order, a prisoner serving a sentence of 10 years and engaged as a skilled laborer is now entitled to receive remuneration of approximately Rs 18,600 per month. This figure stands in stark contrast to the current compensation provided to pre-primary educators. Teachers, who undertake the crucial and socially vital task of imparting foundational education to children under six years of age, receive a meager monthly honorarium of only Rs 12,500. Pre-primary ayahs, who assist in these educational endeavors, are paid an even lower amount of just Rs 7,500 per month.
Detailed Comparison of Benefits and Burdens
The affidavit delves deeper into the disparities between the two groups. It notes that the remuneration paid to prisoners is supplemented by a comprehensive package of state-provided benefits. These include free accommodation, nutritious food, clothing, and extensive medical care, all covered by the government. In essence, prisoners receive their wages as disposable income, with their basic living needs fully met by the state.
On the other hand, a pre-primary teacher receiving the current honorarium of Rs 12,500 faces a vastly different reality. From this amount, the educator must cover all essential living expenses. These costs encompass food, daily travel, statutory taxes, electricity and water charges, house rent, and various other incidental expenses necessary for survival and professional functioning. The teachers argue that this financial burden makes it nearly impossible to maintain a decent standard of living, let alone focus fully on their educational responsibilities.
The core of the teachers' argument rests on the perceived inequity in how the state allocates its resources. They emphasize that while investing in prisoner welfare is important, prioritizing it over the compensation of educators who shape the future of young children reflects a misalignment of societal values. The affidavit calls for the court to recognize this disparity and uphold the earlier order for honorarium enhancement, ensuring that those who lay the educational groundwork for the next generation are justly compensated for their indispensable work.
