The Maharashtra State Primary Teachers’ Committee will hold a statewide dharna on 17 March, protesting the government’s decision to deny teachers to low-enrolment schools. They argue this move has left over 20,000 teachers surplus and harmed education in rural areas.
The committee has repeatedly called for the revocation of this policy, arguing that it contravenes the Right to Education Act. Under the ‘Sanch Manyata’ process, schools with fewer than 20 students in classes 6 to 8 will not be assigned any teachers. The committee alleged that the School Education Department has finalised the sanctioned teacher strength for the academic year 2024–25 despite continued opposition from educators, exacerbating the issue.
This decision has particularly affected schools in remote, tribal, and sparsely populated regions, where students are now at risk of losing access to education. The absence of teachers is expected to force students to travel to distant villages, creating barriers to learning, especially for girls, who may face an increased risk of dropping out. The government’s efforts to reduce dropout rates could be undermined by this policy, potentially reversing progress made in recent years.
Vijay Kombe, president of Maharashtra State Primary Teachers’ Committee said, “following protests the government has decided to allot one teacher for schools with low enrollment but how will one teacher teach 5 different subjects?”
The policy has also dismantled the cluster school system, which previously provided education within smaller communities. The Maharashtra State Primary Teachers’ Committee warns that this decision could weaken the rural education framework, forcing many students out of the academic system. The impact is expected to be particularly severe for students from low-income, marginalised, and agricultural backgrounds studying in government, semi-government, and aided schools.
In response, the committee has submitted multiple petitions to government officials and public representatives, demanding the cancellation of the decision. However, as no action has been taken, the committee has resolved to proceed with its planned protest. The dharna-protest satyagraha will be held across Maharashtra on 17 March as per the notice submitted to the government.
