Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 5 (NationPress) In light of a heartbreaking incident involving a school teacher who went unpaid for 14 years, Kerala's Education Minister V. Sivankutty issued a stern admonition to the officials within the Education Department on Tuesday. The Minister emphasized that if such situations arise again, the government will take severe disciplinary measures, including the potential dismissal of those accountable.

“The government will not condone any negligence or delays regarding employee entitlements. This episode is intolerable, and any future occurrences will lead to the most serious repercussions,” stated Sivankutty during a press conference.

This statement follows public outrage after the tragic suicide of V.T. Shijo. His spouse, Lekha Raveendran, who teaches at St. Joseph’s High School in Narayanamuzhi, Pathanamthitta district, had been denied her rightful salary for over a decade, despite a favorable ruling from the High Court.

According to George Joseph, the school manager, all necessary documentation to facilitate the payment and associated benefits for Lekha Raveendran had been forwarded to the District Education Office.

Despite repeated inquiries and even a High Court order mandating the salary release, the involved officials allegedly failed to take action.

“The officials’ negligence has not only breached a court ruling but has also devastated a family. Even the Education Minister’s intervention was disregarded,” Joseph commented.

Notably, three officials from the department were suspended on Monday following an internal review and escalating public discontent.

However, Shijo’s family maintains that mere suspensions are inadequate.

They claim that the officials intentionally concealed documents and flouted the Division Bench order from the High Court, and they are now preparing to pursue further legal action.

Shijo’s father, Thyagarajan, expressed, “The system failed my son. We will return to court to ensure full accountability for those responsible. No other family should endure this.”

Lekha Raveendran joined the school in 2012, but her appointment was delayed due to a legal dispute from a previously resigned teacher claiming the same position.

The dispute was ultimately resolved in Lekha's favor by the High Court, yet her salary and benefits were never disbursed.

The required documents and court ruling were submitted to the DEO in December 2024, but no actions were taken, leading to significant emotional and financial challenges for the family.