Chief Electoral Officer Acknowledges Academic Commitments: Mumbai Teachers Exempt from Election Duties

Mumbai, 24th February 2024: In a significant development, teachers in Mumbai have been granted relief from election duties for the time being, acknowledging their ongoing academic commitments during the examination season. The Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra, Shrikant Deshpande, issued a letter emphasizing the crucial nature of the February to April period for teachers due to academic commitments, including school and board exams. The letter recognizes that diverting teachers from their academic responsibilities during this period could adversely affect students’ academic progress.

While acknowledging the importance and urgency of election-related work, the letter directs election officers to source manpower from individuals not engaged in teaching or academic activities. The directive follows earlier letters sent to teachers, instructing them to participate in election duties with warnings of strict action for non-compliance. This move prompted concerns from schools, teachers, and principal organizations, leading them to approach the state government with their grievances.

The relief has been welcomed, with some pointing out that the Right To Education recommends keeping teachers focused on academic tasks. Previously, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray and Teacher Constituency MLC Kapil Patil had raised concerns about teachers being assigned election duties during exam periods.

However, some express dissatisfaction with the partial relief, noting that the letter specifically addresses Mumbai. MLC Satyajeet Tambe calls for revised directives, highlighting that academic concerns are shared by teachers and students across the state, not limited to Mumbai alone.