The Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to clarify its stance on regularising educators employed on a contractual basis for over 15 years, observing that long-serving teachers cannot be left without a livelihood after extended public service.
Affidavit Demanded From Education Department
Hearing the matter on Wednesday, a Lucknow bench of the high court instructed the Additional Chief Secretary of Basic Education to file a personal affidavit explaining whether the state is taking concrete measures to regularise long-term contractual teaching staff. Justice Pankaj Bhatia issued the order while considering a petition that the court noted raises broader policy implications for educators who have served for more than a decade and a half.
Interim Protection Granted To Petitioner
As an interim measure, the court ordered authorities to allow the petitioner, Archana Boodh, to continue working in her post on a contractual basis until the next hearing. The bench directed the state respondents to submit their counter-affidavits and scheduled the matter for further consideration on September 8.
Contract Discontinued After 16 Years
Boodh, approximately 39 years old, has worked as a contractual teacher at a Kasturba Gandhi Residential Girls School in Amethi since January 16, 2010. While her contract had been periodically extended throughout her 16-year tenure, local officials declined to renew her engagement through an order issued on June 16.
Legal representation for the petitioner argued that state authorities refused to consider her for regularisation despite her long service, leaving her without a source of income. Counsel added that at her current age, Boodh is no longer eligible to apply for fresh teaching roles elsewhere.
No Misconduct Records Found
During proceedings, the court examined written instructions from official authorities indicating that three other educators had been transferred across different schools following student-related disciplinary matters. However, Justice Bhatia emphasized that no individual allegations or misconduct complaints had been filed against Boodh.
Highlighting that teachers are regarded as nation builders, the court expressed concern that abruptly discontinuing contractual engagements after 16 years deprives individuals of their livelihood, warranting a thorough examination of state employment practices.
