Students protest at Kollam college after teacher's FB post claims she was sacked over pregnancy

Asha Raj, who taught civil engineering at TKM Institute of Technology in Kollam, suspects the management's decision to sack her was solely based on the fact that she was pregnant In her Facebook post, touted as an open letter to the college authorities, Asha claims the management never gave any explanation for letting her go Netizens across the country expressed solidarity with Asha after her Facebook post garnered widespread attention Classes were affected at TKM on Monday after students from different departments held protests, which went on till 7.30 pm

Several students of TKM Institute of Technology in Kollam have been protesting against the college management after it sacked an assistant professor, who was several months pregnant, allegedly to prevent her from availing maternity leave benefits.

Asha Raj, who taught civil engineering at the college till last month, put up a Facebook post two weeks ago, claiming she had resigned after the college management asked her to do so ahead of the new academic year.

In her Facebook post, touted as an open letter to the college authorities, Asha claims the management never gave any explanation for letting her go and also stressed that there was no notice or any kind of prior intimation regarding the decision, which is usually the case with performance related terminations.

Asha suspects the decision to sack her ahead of the new academic year was solely based on the fact that she was pregnant. The management knew they would have to give her maternity benefits and also look for a new teacher to fill in for her when she goes on leave, Asha pointed out in the letter.

Netizens across the country expressed solidarity with Asha after her Facebook post garnered widespread attention. Classes were affected at TKM on Monday after students from different departments held protests, which went on till 7.30 pm.

According to a South Live report, the college management has now invited Asha for a meeting on Tuesday and a decision is expected soon.