Thousands of teachers across Maharashtra participated in a statewide protest on July 9, leading to the closure of over 60% of government and aided schools. The demonstration, largely centered around a large gathering at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, saw educators demanding a complete waiver of non-academic duties, particularly those related to being Booth Level Officers (BLOs) for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Teachers Demand Exemption from Non-Academic Duties
The statewide agitation was jointly organized by several teachers’ associations. A primary grievance is the assignment of BLO duties, which protesters argue significantly hampers their ability to focus on teaching and adversely affects the quality of education. Despite a warning from the state government that participating teachers would face a salary deduction for the day, a substantial number joined the demonstrations. In addition to the Azad Maidan protest, similar demonstrations were held at district levels across the state.
The non-academic workload, which includes tasks related to voter list preparation and election assignments, is also cited as a significant factor affecting teachers’ mental and physical well-being. Organizers stated that these duties are compromising classroom teaching time and reducing the overall quality of education.
Broader Issues of Concern
Beyond the immediate issue of BLO duties, the protest also highlighted a range of long-standing concerns within the teaching community. These include demands for changes to the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) framework, alterations to promotion policies, and modifications in staffing norms. Specifically, teachers are seeking an exemption from the mandatory TET for those appointed before 2013, as their recruitment was based on rules in place at that time. They also propose redesigning the TET to be more application-oriented for in-service teachers.
Concerns were also raised regarding promotion guidelines issued by the directorate of education and revised staffing policies, which some fear could lead to a reduction in the number of teachers in primary schools. The protesting teachers are also demanding the withdrawal of First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against educators who did not report for BLO duties and greater legal protection against compulsory election-related assignments.
Some teacher unions, like the Maharashtra State Primary Teachers’ Association, have opted out of the mass protest, preferring to pursue issues through dialogue and legal interventions. This association has previously secured relief for teachers from BLO duties through judicial intervention and is reportedly considering a High Court challenge against the deployment of teachers as BLOs, particularly from private aided and unaided schools.
Government Response and Future Actions
The School Education Department had instructed schools to remain open and warned of salary deductions for striking staff. However, the widespread participation indicates a high level of dissatisfaction among educators. The protest underscores a deep-seated frustration with the administrative burden placed upon teachers, which they argue detracts from their core responsibility of imparting education.
The demands of the protesting teachers also include the protection and continued existence of government-run and aided schools, adequate teacher staffing, and improved grant support for schools. The situation highlights an ongoing tension between the administrative requirements of election processes and the educational commitments of the teaching fraternity in Maharashtra.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
