Green coat for teachers: One teacher suspended in Kerala

Satish Talappilli, Kerala

SINCE Oomen Chandy ministry assumed office in May, 2011,  it is an undisputed fact that Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) calls the shot in the state. The latest incident in the series is the suspension of Jameela Kollathodi, senior teacher in Areekkode Sulla Moosalam Oriental High School, Malappuram district, Kerala. She has been suspended for 15 days on violating the new school dress code for teachers, that is, failure in wearing green coat on top of the saree. Jameela  told media Persons that  the Head Mistress called her in May, 2012 asking for the measurement of the coat.  She says that this new dress code was never discussed in PTA or staff meeting. Prof. N.V. Abdurehaman, management representative, told the press that Jameela has been suspended for not complying with the dress code. Jameela refuted this and  told the the media that most of the teachers did not agree to this.

Every body knows that IUML  is the real power behind the throne. Recently its minister Ibrahim Kunju told a party meeting that it is his party that really rules the state hence the rank and file do not have any reason to worry. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy justified him in diplomatic terms.  It may be recalled that the Chief Minister has agreed to include a “fifth  minister” to IUML after much  hesitation.  Minority appeasement is at the pinnacle. It looks like Ibrahim Kunju is absolutely right.