MLC Ramnath Mote from the teachers’ constituency has alleged discrimination by the government between teachers teaching in government-run schools and those teaching in private-aided schools. Mr Mote has said that after the government added classes from 6 to 8 to the secondary school category, it gave improved salaries to the qualified teachers in its schools but qualified teachers in private-aided schools were getting only half the salaries. Such ‘discrimination’ was indicative of the government’s apathy towards the aggrieved teachers and hence he was filing a petition against it.
Pointing to the state government’s decision to restructure the classes wherein class 1 to 5 was under primary section and classes from 6 to 8 would fall under the secondary section, Anil Bornare, Mumbai North president of Shikshak Parishad, said the order also introduced requirement of B Ed or D Ed qualifications for secondary teachers. “As per the norms, the teachers with the proper qualification got upgraded salaries in government-run schools, however, the norm is not applied for teachers in private-aided schools. Such a partisan treatment is not expected from the government and teachers in private schools are suffering,” said Mr Bornare, throwing light on the plight of the teachers.
He further added that Mr Mote in the petition has blamed the government of creating a divide between the teachers based on salaries which needs to be removed. “Mr Mote had met principal secretary, school education Nand Kumar and apprised him of the situation. In the meeting, Mr Mote had asked Mr Kumar to bring parity among the teachers but the department has failed to take action and the difference exists,” said Mr Bornare. Due to the inaction, Mr Mote has been prompted that the petition be filed so that teachers in private-aided schools get justice. The petition is expected to be admitted this week.
