In dire need,trust-run schools begin hiring teachers on honorary basis

With the issue of centralising the recruitment of teachers across the state caught in a court battle,the trust-run schools in dire need of teachers have started hiring them on an honorary basis.

According to Gujarat State School Management Association (GSSMA),over 2,000 teachers have been recruited on honorary basis to fill up the vacancies. “There is no other option. Since there is no conclusion as yet over the issue,we cannot let students suffer. There was a huge vacancy for science and English teachers,” said J K Makadia,secretary of GSSMA.

“Last December,the High Court allowed the school management to retain its power to appoint teachers,which the state government has challenged in the Supreme Court. This power is given to the school management in the Gujarat Secondary Education School Board Act,” said Ambu Patel,president of GSMMA.

The Association,which plans to agitate on the matter,said it will involve other school management associations in the state in its battle against the government. State Education Secretary Hasmukh Adhia was unavailable for comment.