Maharashtra teachers call December 5 school bandh over TET and key demands

When schools are short-staffed, students suffer. Representation pic/istock

The statewide teachers' group, Shikshak Bhaarti, has called for a ‘school bandh' on December 5 to highlight issues faced by teachers in Maharashtra.

The main demand is regarding the Teachers' Eligibility Test, now mandatory for in-service teachers following a Supreme Court verdict. Other concerns include Aadhar-related delays in the student census, non-salary grants to schools, and the old pension scheme.

"We are seeking a dialogue with government officials on our key issues. Last time, we planned a bandh, officials engaged with us, and the protest was called off, but no action has been taken on TET," said Subhas More, working president of Shikshak Bhaarti.

Teachers from over 100 aided schools in Mumbai are expected to take part if no measures are taken. The Bandh is aimed at benefiting students in the long run. Policies like TET and ‘manyata' make teaching difficult, and when schools are short-staffed, students suffer," More added.