Fri May 02 14:24:34 UTC 2025: ## Kannur University Delays Promotions for Teachers Who Participated in 2020 Strikes
**Kannur, Kerala, May 2, 2025** – Hundreds of teachers at private aided colleges under Kannur University are facing delays in their grade promotions due to their participation in nationwide strikes on January 8 and November 26, 2020. The Kerala Private College Teacher Association (KPCTA) alleges that the Deputy Director of Collegiate Education, Kozhikode, is withholding promotion files, questioning the validity of promotions for teachers who participated in the strikes.
This action, reportedly stemming from a legal concern, lacks formal support from the State government or Kannur University. The university syndicate and Vice-Chancellor have yet to take a firm stance, leaving the promotion process stalled. While grade promotions are typically based on service duration, the strike days have not been recognized as working days due to the absence of a government order.
A similar issue was addressed by the University of Calicut’s Standing Committee of Staff of Affiliated Colleges in 2022, recommending that strike days be considered for promotions contingent upon a government order. However, no such order has been issued.
The KPCTA has strongly condemned the move, labeling it “anti-labour” and discriminatory, noting that teachers in other universities who participated in the same strikes have not faced similar consequences. The association has demanded immediate intervention from Kannur University and threatened further action if the issue remains unresolved.
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