The Maharashtra government’s announcement Thursday to hire teachers on contractual basis in government schools with an enrollment of fewer than 20 students has faced backlash from aspiring teachers.
Several candidates aspiring for a teacher’s job in government schools said that the decision, announced on Teachers’ Day, would deprive them of their opportunities.
Last year, the state government, in response to the shortage of teachers, announced that one of the two teachers in government schools with an enrollment of fewer than 20 students could be a retired teacher.
On Thursday, it was further announced that if no retired teacher is available, an unemployed D.Ed./B.Ed. qualified candidate could be appointed on a one-year contract, earning Rs. 15,000 per month.
Aspiring teachers argue that the move could lower teaching standards, while others claim it deprives them of opportunities for a government job.
A Government Resolution (GR) issued by the state’s education department outlines the new policy.
It states, “Previously, retired Zilla Parishad (ZP) teachers were to be reappointed in schools with fewer than 20 students, alongside one regular teacher. However, since finding such retired teachers may not be possible everywhere, unemployed D.Ed./B.Ed. qualified candidates can be appointed to fill these vacancies.”
This will be in addition to the one regular teacher in each school.
The GR also details the conditions for contractual employment: the maximum age limit for appointment is 70 years, with a monthly salary of Rs 15,000 and 12 paid leaves. Contracts will last for one year and may be renewed based on the school’s and students’ performance, but no contract will extend beyond three years or until the candidate reaches the maximum age limit, whichever comes first.
A senior teacher remarked, “Thousands of qualified teachers are waiting for permanent appointments. The state government recently completed recruitment for over 20,000 teaching posts, which raised hopes for many. But today’s decision is disappointing.”
Another teacher added, “Contractual teachers might not ensure the same quality, which could negatively affect education standards in government schools.”
Tanaji Kamble from the Maharashtra Purogami Shikshak Sanghatana, a teachers’ organization, slammed the timing of the announcement.
“This is absolutely unfair, and to make this announcement on Teachers’ Day is an insult. The government has made a mockery of the teaching profession,” he said.
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