The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Maharashtra government and its education authorities on a petition challenging a government resolution (GR) that modifies the method of sanctioning teaching posts in state-run schools based on student enrolment figures, allegedly in violation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009.
A bench comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe sought responses from the state government, the Commissioner of Education, and other concerned authorities after hearing the plea filed by the Sindhudurg Zilla Shikshan Sanstha Chalak Mandal, an association of educational institutions.
The impugned resolution, dated March 15, 2024, changes the criteria for sanctioning teaching posts in primary, upper primary, and secondary schools by aggregating students at the sectional level rather than per individual class. The petitioner argues this undermines the pupil-teacher ratio norms established under the RTE Act.
According to the plea filed through advocate Ajit Pravin Wagh, “The consequence of the said GR is that schools where students are not above a certain number, there would be only one sanctioned teacher for several classes.”
The petitioner highlighted that the new criteria abandon the class-wise measurement of pupil-teacher ratio mandated under the RTE framework, replacing it with a broader sectional approach. This, they argue, not only dilutes quality education but also risks closure of smaller neighborhood schools due to lack of sanctioned teaching staff.
“The GR does not align with the statutory policy laid down by the RTE Act, which recognises each class as a unit to ensure adequate teacher availability,” the petition stated, adding that implementation of the March 2024 GR will disproportionately affect schools with lower enrolment figures, especially in rural areas.
The plea further contended that the resolution will likely lead to overburdened teachers, multi-grade classrooms, and a significant setback in achieving inclusive and equitable quality education.
The Supreme Court, taking cognizance of the concerns, has sought a formal response from the Maharashtra government. The matter will be listed for further hearing following the submission of replies.
