The Kalakkath Kunchan Nambiar Memorial and Thullal Gruham at Killikurissimangalam near Ottappalam has come into sharp focus with the State government defaulting the payment of its staff and students. The memorial, visited by dozens of people interested in Kerala history and literature every day, was closed two days ago when all the staff entered into an indefinite leave as they were not given their wages.
There are two permanent staff in Kunchan Memorial and seven contract teachers at Kunchan Memorial Kalapeeth, which is offering art courses on Thullal, Mridangam, Mohiniyattam and Classical Music. There are 20 students undergoing those programmes there.
The temporary staff were not paid their wages for the last 16 months and the permanent staff for 11 months. The students have not got their monthly stipend of Rs. 300 for the last two years.
