Paragraphs 8 to 12 (pages 22 to 26) of the Justice J. B. Koshy Commission Report clearly explain the challenges faced by managements in administering Christian aided educational institutions. The report also outlines how the government should intervene constructively. For a proper understanding among the general public regarding Christian minority aided institutions, it is beneficial to read this section of the report. The relevant portion is summarized below:
• With the enactment of the Kerala Education Act in 1959 and the Direct Payment Order of 1972, previously existing Christian institutions became aided institutions, and the government assumed direct responsibility for paying teachers’ salaries. However, there is no clear framework regarding how other responsibilities are to be fulfilled. In recent times, the obligation to ensure quality education and to provide statutory infrastructure facilities has increased significantly. Modern education requires substantial investment in scientific and technological infrastructure and development activities. Therefore, the government’s responsibility toward students in aided schools is not fulfilled merely by paying teachers’ salaries; attention must also be given to ensuring adequate infrastructural and technological standards.
• Since managements are not permitted to collect funds from students to meet infrastructural expenses based on student strength, it is only just that the government bears this cost. There are Christian institutions that educate up to 10,000 students. A school of such size requires at least ten acres of land in an urban area, which may be valued at a minimum of ₹200 crore at current market rates. The government may spend around ₹20 crore annually on teachers’ salaries for such a school. However, if the land itself were utilized otherwise, it could yield comparable annual returns for the management. Additionally, buildings of about three lakh square feet would be required, costing approximately ₹60 crore, with an annual depreciation of about ₹6 crore. Along with other operational expenses, the management incurs an estimated visible and invisible capital expenditure of around ₹25,000 per student. Although similar costs should ideally exist in government schools, financial constraints often limit infrastructural development there.
• Private managements that provide better physical infrastructure thus render significant service to students. Government partnership in this regard would enhance overall educational progress. It is evident that managements bear expenses for non-salary components equivalent to what the government spends on salaries. The recurring costs of infrastructure and capital expenditure place a heavy financial burden on managements. This has led to widespread allegations that managements resort to irregular practices. In reality, the government should provide a fixed percentage of capital costs for buildings and infrastructure (excluding land value), along with a portion of recurring expenses, based on student strength. At the same time, the government must ensure that managements do not collect money for appointments. Adequate grants would effectively curb such malpractices.
• If the government provides financial support for non-salary expenses in aided schools, it will contribute to improving educational quality. Proper utilization of such funds can be ensured by requiring audited accounts, which may be verified during school inspections by officials such as the AEO, DEO, and Deputy Director.
• Numerous complaints have been raised regarding issues faced by Christians, as a minority, in matters of teacher appointments in aided schools. These institutions were established by Christians through great sacrifice. While there is no dispute that aided institutions must comply with prevailing laws and government regulations—particularly in matters of educational standards, syllabus, and teacher qualifications—care must be taken to ensure that new laws and circulars do not deprive qualified Christian candidates of their rightful opportunity for appointment.
