India Morning News
Mumbai: Maharashtra is facing a major concern in its school education system after the state education department introduced a new teacher adjustment policy. Owing to these changes, nearly 600 Marathi schools across the state are at risk of shutting down, affecting more than 25,000 students.
The government recently revised the formula used to determine the number of teachers allotted to each school. Under the new norms, several schools may receive no teachers at all. Without teachers, these schools will not be able to function, creating panic especially among small and rural schools.
A major change affects approval for teachers in Classes 9 and 10. Previously, only three students were required for teacher sanction. Under the updated rule, schools must now have a minimum of 20 students. Schools with fewer than 20 students will not be assigned any teachers, leaving many Marathi-medium schools vulnerable.
Teacher unions and parents across the state have strongly opposed the decision. They argue that the new policy will damage the academic future of thousands of children. Protesters have urged Education Minister Dada Bhuse to immediately withdraw the rule.
Experts warn that if the government does not reconsider, many Marathi schools may be forced to close after December 6.
