The Kerala General Education Department has directed strict disciplinary action against teachers in government and aided schools who take private tuition or work at tutorial institutes.

In a circular issued on August 12, the department reminded that under Rule 28, Chapter IV of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, teachers are prohibited from offering private tuition or any similar services. Government guidelines also classify activities such as running or teaching at PSC coaching centres, managing tutorial institutions, publishing related books or guides, or directly or indirectly supporting such ventures as serious breaches of discipline.

The order follows multiple complaints received by the state government and the department regarding employees violating these norms. Appointing authorities have been instructed to identify and take prompt action against erring teachers and non-teaching staff. Authorities who fail to act will themselves face strict proceedings.

Education Minister V Sivankutty had earlier instructed officials that affidavits be collected from teachers confirming they are not involved in private tuition, and warned that both the State Vigilance Department and the department’s own vigilance wing will closely monitor the matter. He also urged Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) to report violations.