India
oi-Swastika Sruti
Some lower primary school teachers who had secured ranks through the LPST examination in Kerala conducted an uncommon protest outside the state secretariat in Kerala by consuming grass due to their disappointment over the government delay in appointing them. It was part of a month-long ongoing protest in which the aspirants demanded the immediate issue of their appointments.
Lower primary school teachers in Kerala protested for 34 days outside the state secretariat by consuming grass, demanding the government issue immediate appointment orders after qualifying for the Public Service Commission rank list.
They had already done many kinds of peaceful protests but got no reply from the government.
Grass-Eating Protest Outside Secretariat
As per the video footage of the protest, it can be seen that the candidates were sitting in a line before the Kerala Secretariat with grass put on sheets of paper before them. The candidates were seen consuming the grass as an act to express their feeling of helplessness.
#WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram, Keralam: Lower Primary School Teacher (LPST) rank holders symbolically eat grass as part of their protest outside the Secretariat, alleging that they have not received appointment orders despite being included in the PSC rank list. pic.twitter.com/tL8SIzWPMi
— ANI (@ANI) August 8, 2026
This protest is continuing for the 34th day in view of the increasing frustration of the candidates who managed to get rank in the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) list dated 31st May last year.
The candidates want the government to issue the appointment order without any delay.
‘No Good News From the Government’
While delivering his speech at the rally, one of the rank holders of LPST indicated their disappointment due to the lack of action on the part of the government.
“We have been demonstrating for 34 days now. We have not heard anything good from the government,” the protestor said.
As per the candidates, the government has requested an extra two months for making the appointments.
Challenging this request for time, the protestor stated that they could not see any reason for this delay.
“We have done many things but there has been no reaction. Instead of responding, the government is ignoring us,” the protestor said.
Candidates Await Appointment Orders
The candidates say they successfully secured positions in the PSC rank list after clearing the recruitment process but are still waiting for formal appointment orders.
They allege that despite qualifying, they have received no clear timeline regarding their postings, leaving many uncertain about their careers.
The prolonged wait has prompted repeated demonstrations, with aspirants urging the government to speed up the recruitment process.
SIT Probing Alleged PSC Irregularities
The protest comes against the backdrop of an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities related to Kerala Public Service Commission examinations.
Last month, the Kerala Police announced that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) would investigate the allegations.
The SIT is headed by Inspector General of Police S. Ajeetha Begum, who serves as the Inspector General of Police, Economic Offences Wing Headquarters, Thiruvananthapuram.
According to the official order, the Crime Branch has been directed to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations concerning examinations conducted by the Kerala Public Service Commission.
Authorities said the decision was taken considering the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a prompt investigation.
Protest Continues
While the investigation into the alleged examination irregularities is underway, the protesting teacher aspirants say their immediate concern remains the issuance of appointment orders.
With the agitation continuing for over a month, the candidates have urged the Kerala government to address their demands and provide clarity on the recruitment process.
