The Maharashtra State Education Department's recent decision to appoint contractual teachers at a salary of ₹15,000 per month in schools with fewer than 20 students has sparked widespread criticism from teacher organisations and education experts.
Zilla Parishad schools across the state have long faced a significant shortage of teaching staff, with many positions remaining vacant. In an attempt to address the issue temporarily, the education department initially chose to bring in retired teachers until permanent recruitment through the Pavitra system could be finalised.
However, on Teachers' Day, the department extended its plan by deciding to hire contractual teachers, paying them ₹15,000 per month. This move has drawn backlash from qualified but unemployed teacher candidates and teacher unions, who believe it will negatively impact schools with smaller student populations.
Thousands of unemployed candidates with D.Ed and B.Ed qualifications have been waiting for permanent teaching positions. They argue that the introduction of contractual hiring not only undermines their chances of securing stable employment but also offers insufficient compensation for the workload expected.
While regular teachers receive a monthly salary of ₹16,000, only marginally more than contractual hires, they benefit from greater job security and more defined responsibilities.
Mukund Kirdat of the AAP Parents' Union criticised the decision, saying, “This policy financially exploits young candidates by paying them a mere ₹15,000 and giving them responsibilities that should be handled by full-time teachers. Additionally, hiring retired teachers blocks younger educators from obtaining stable jobs.”
The decision is particularly concerning for smaller, rural schools, where teacher organisations argue that regular teachers are essential for maintaining educational standards and stability. Critics also warn that retired and temporary teachers may lack the long-term commitment needed to boost student enrollment and academic outcomes, potentially damaging the state's education system.
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