Buldhana ZP orders suspension of teachers for low student enrolment in schools

The letter by Kharat, which is attached with the list of 20 schools having less than 10 students enrolled, states, “It has come to my attention that there are several schools in the district with student enrolment ranging from one to 10. It is observed that due to the inefficiency of teachers who have been working in these schools for many years, there has been a significant decline in student enrolment. In a recent meeting, the concerned teachers were unable to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the decline in student numbers. Therefore, it appears prima facie that the concerned teachers are responsible for the drop in enrolment.”

The letter sparked shock among teachers with many questioning the way the action was taken. Teachers claim that there were no instructions from the Zilla Parishad in the past to work to increase student enrolment. One letter was issued on June 9 in this regard and a review meeting was called on June 11.

One of the aggrieved teachers said, “We all were under the impression that decreasing student enrolment in ZP schools will be discussed along with guidelines for teachers on how to improve enrolment. However, we were shocked when the entire blame was put on us and immediately this letter was issued.”’

According to teachers, there are multiple factors leading to low student enrolment in ZP schools and it is unjust to just hold teachers responsible. “There is not enough population in some villages to ensure children in schools,” said one teacher.

Kharat however said that the action was taken after studying data from past few years. “There are schools where student enrolment was above 50 in the 2020-21 academic year. And now, it is less than 10 students. This ought to be examined and the onus is on teachers,” said Kharat. He further added that the teachers neither took efforts to increase student enrolment nor did they approach ZP if there were other issues causing the problem.

Further emphasizing that the schools will not shut down, Kharat said additional charge will be given to nearby school teachers. “The intention is to increase student enrolment in ZP schools. There are still a few weeks left for schools in Vidharbha to resume after summer vacation. If these teachers take efforts to bring children to their respective schools and submit a satisfactory report, we will consider reinstating them,” said Kharat.

While Kharat insists that the move aims to ensure better enrolment in ZP schools, the teachers’ association call the action ‘unjust’ and ‘inappropriate’ and demanded immediate withdrawal of the suspension of teachers.

Vijay Kombe, state president of the teachers’ association, said, “Low student enrolment in ZP schools is a collective failure of the system but the blame is conveniently put on teachers. ZP schools were opened in all villages of Maharashtra to provide free primary education nearby residences. But now, with many villagers migrating out in pursuit of employment, there are some villages with low population, which in turn is reflecting in the low student enrolment. The issue should be reviewed from all aspects and the action against the teachers should be withdrawn immediately.”