The Rajasthan education department has raised concerns over a recent finance department circular that reclassifies Grade-III teachers (Level 1 and Level 2) as non-state service employees. The June 2 circular explicitly states that employees of state public sector undertakings, autonomous bodies, local bodies, and Panchayati Raj institutions are not considered government servants. Consequently, if such individuals are appointed to government service through direct recruitment, their previous pay is not protected under Rules 24 and 26 of the Rajasthan Service Rules, 1951.
Impact on Teachers
Government school teachers argue that this order could affect thousands of Grade-III teachers who secured higher posts through direct recruitment and were previously granted pay protection based on their earlier service. The government is reportedly examining cases where salaries may need to be re-fixed and excess payments recovered.
Education Department's Response
On Friday, the education department wrote to the state government seeking clarification, asserting that Grade-III teachers are indeed state government employees. Teachers have pointed to a March 14, 2011 circular from the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, which states that while recruitment may be conducted under specific authorities, all service-related matters after recruitment fall under the parent department—in this case, the school education department.
Vipin Prakash Sharma, state president of the Rajasthan Primary and Secondary Teachers’ Association, emphasized that Grade-III teachers recruited through Zila Parishads or Panchayat Samitis remain part of the education department. Many have subsequently been selected as lecturers (PGTs) and other posts through direct recruitment and are currently serving in the education department.
Salary Fixation Audits
Sharma added that during salary-fixation audits in several districts, the pay protection granted to Grade-III teachers after their appointment as lecturers through direct recruitment is being questioned. The basis is that their previous service is not being treated as state service. Teachers also noted that their seniority is maintained by district education officers and forms the basis for promotions to posts such as principal and District Education Officer (DEO).
Financial Implications
“Deductions such as General Provident Fund (GPF) and State Insurance are made from their salaries in the same manner as for other state government employees. If recoveries are ordered, many affected teachers could face recoveries of at least ₹5 lakh, which most cannot afford,” Sharma added.
Rajesh Yadav, secretary for school education, confirmed receipt of the letter from the education department and stated that it is being examined.
