Maharashtra's education sector is bracing for disruption as over thirty teachers' unions have called for a strike on Friday. The agitation is a direct protest against the Supreme Court's verdict making the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) compulsory for in-service teachers to retain their jobs.
Minister Appeals for Calm, Cites Government's Limited Role
State School Education Minister, Dada Bhuse, addressed the media in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Thursday, appealing to the unions to call off their planned strike. He clarified that the Supreme Court's CTET mandate is a judicial order and the state government has no direct role in its implementation. "We have already held talks with different teachers' unions and sought opinions from the law and judiciary department," Bhuse stated. He added that the administration is studying compliance models adopted by other states following the apex court's directive.
Pay-Cut Threat Fails to Deter Protesting Teachers
In a move to discourage participation, the deputy director of education (secondary and higher secondary) issued an order on Wednesday. It instructed education department authorities to deduct a day's salary from staff members who join Friday's strike. However, this threat has not swayed the protesting teachers' groups. Mahendra Ganpule, spokesperson for the Maharashtra School Principals' Federation, confirmed their resolve, stating, "We are aware of the notice regarding salary cuts and are prepared to bear the consequences." All federation members are expected to remain on leave for the day.
Minister Assures No School Closures, Announces New Initiatives
Amidst the turmoil, Minister Bhuse sought to allay other fears circulating within the education community. He firmly denied speculation about the closure of state-run schools with low enrollment. "Not a single school in Maharashtra would be closed," he asserted. Later, while addressing a workshop for 'idol teachers' recognized by the department, Bhuse highlighted their role as agents of change. He also announced a state-level initiative inspired by the central government's scheme. "On the lines of the PM SHRI School scheme of the Centre, we announced CM Shri School in the state. Construction works will be undertaken in nearly 5,000 schools," he revealed. When questioned about the order for salary deductions, the minister chose not to comment directly.
