Now, civic teachers in Thane roped in against open defecation

Representational picture

As if census, election duty etc weren't enough, civic teachers in Thane now have to ensure that localities around their schools are open defecation free. The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has started an initiative against open defecation, and its school teachers have been asked to conduct awareness rallies and other activities in nearby slums. With the beginning of the new academic year and approaching unit tests, teachers are angry with this additional task given to them.

Also read: A new book by American researchers looks at the open defecation menace

"Authorities might say there is no compulsion, but schools have to act on instructions by them. There was no circular for it, but WhatsApp messages were sent on various teachers' groups for these activities," said Dilip Dumbre, President of Shikshak Sena.

Also read: #MumbaiCraps trends on Twitter, as CM Fadnavis' claims fall flat

A teacher from a TMC school, said, "Already we are burdened with non-academic responsibilities. But that does not mean the government should look to us for all kinds of jobs. They should have dedicated teams to work on this." Manish Joshi, education officer who has initiated the project, said, "Students are the best media to reach society to bring awareness. We cannot deny the fact that most of the students coming to civic schools are from slums. Our aim is to not only create educated students but build a generation of much aware and responsible citizens."