Thousands of teachers protest at Mumbai's Azad Maidan over election duties and TET delay

Teachers protest at Azad Maidan, demanding relief from SIR duties, saying the additional workload is affecting teaching. Pics/Special Arrangement

Thousands of teachers from across Mumbai gathered at Azad Maidan on Thursday morning, staying away from schools to protest against additional duties assigned under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and as Booth Level Officers (BLOs).

Teacher organisations said the growing workload is forcing educators to leave schools early, reducing classroom hours and affecting students, particularly those in primary classes. Protesters also sought relief for candidates affected by the postponement of the Teachers' Eligibility Test (TET) after the question paper leak last month.

What is SIR?

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is the process of updating electoral rolls. Teachers appointed as Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are required to:
>> Visit households
>> Verify voter details
>> Distribute and collect forms
>> Update electoral records

Demand for alternative staff

Teachers urged the government to assign SIR work to:
>> Other government officials
>> NCC personnel
>> Staff who do not have teaching responsibilities

Key demands of teachers

>> Relieve teachers from SIR duties
>> Reduce Booth Level Officer (BLO) responsibilities
>> Ensure teaching remains the primary responsibility
>> Provide relief to candidates affected by the postponed TET examination

Teachers' concerns

>> Work that initially took 2 hours now takes up to 5 hours daily
>> Teachers are visiting homes to distribute and collect SIR forms
>> School hours are being affected as teachers leave early
>> Duties continue during holidays and despite heavy rain
>> Students are losing valuable classroom time

Why primary teachers are worried

Teachers said the impact is greater on younger students because:
>> Primary classes require more individual attention.
>> The state has introduced a new syllabus under the National Education Policy (NEP).
>> Missing classroom time affects students' learning fundamentals.

Additional burden on women teachers

Launching the protest, teachers said female staff are particularly affected because many balance teaching in schools with household responsibilities. "We travel to different localities for survey work and return home late. Female teachers also have household responsibilities to manage," a municipal school teacher said.

Voice of teachers

Laxman Nadekar, municipal teacher,
‘Despite the heavy downpours and even on our holidays, teachers are going door to door to distribute and collect SIR forms. With little help, a large workload and approaching deadlines, we are leaving school early, and our students are missing out on lessons's

Municipal school teacher, requesting anonymity,
‘I teach Std I, and I feel bad for my students. Teaching is supposed to be our central duty, but we are spending our time on everything else instead'

Union speak

Jalindar Sarode, Working President, Shikshak Sena
‘Teachers are constantly asked to explain the progress of these duties. FIRs are filed against those who fail to complete them. This atmosphere of fear has created immense mental stress, and the government must find a solution'