Kerala Minister reveals 77 existing Pocso cases in state education department
Kerala's Education Minister V Sivankutty revealed that there were, in all, 77 Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (Pocso) cases reported against employees working under the General Education Department. Of these, 65 are teachers and 12 are non-teaching staff.Strict action has followed in several cases, he said. 'One employee was given compulsory pension after completing the departmental proceedings, nine have been dismissed, and one has been removed from service. Disciplinary action has been initiated against 45 others. The rest are being dealt with on priority,' the Minister said.advertisementThe government has instructed that all pending disciplinary actions in Pocso-related cases more than a year old must be acted upon. The Director of Public Education has also been directed to ensure follow-up in cases where action is yet to be taken.
In the Vocational Higher Secondary section, three Pocso cases have been reported, involving two teachers and a lab technical assistant. All three cases are pending in court, and disciplinary procedures are underway, he said.In the Higher Secondary section, 21 teachers have been suspended, 14 from government schools and seven from the aided sector. Four of these cases pertain to the ongoing academic year (2024–25), informed the Minister.
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