Maharashtra govt to post 1,500 art, sports computer instructors on contract in Ashram Shala tribal schools; teachers air concern

The government has sanctioned a funding of over Rs 81 crore towards the salaries of these contractual teachers, which include 499 posts for each of the three categories.

“The Secretary of the Tribal Development Department, in a letter dated 02.01.2025, proposed the recruitment of 1,497 positions for Art, Sports, and Computer instructors in Government Ashram Shalas. This recruitment will be carried out through external sources, with an estimated cost of Rs. 81,08,75,000,” stated the Government Resolution issued on February 18.

The teachers said they were shocked to know that so many teacher posts have been lying vacant in the Maharashtra’s Tribal Development Department-run residential schools, which are relied upon for comprehensive education
According to Vijay Kombe of the Maharashtra Primary School Teachers Association, the move reveals the governments lack of commitment towards the education of tribal children.

“Unlike urban schools, children studying in Ashram Shala have no other option for pursuing subjects like Art, Sports, and Computers, which are crucial to their development,” he said.

Mahendra Ganpule, former head of the Maharashtra School Principals’ Association, voiced his concern over appointing teachers on low pay.

“Appointments on a contract basis mean teachers will only earn between Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 a month. This is hardly sufficient, especially for teachers who are required to live in remote tribal areas. No qualified teacher would want to relocate for such low pay,” he said.

Ganpule also pointed out that this sends a wrong signal that subjects such as Arts, Sports, and Computers are of less importance than core academic subjects.