Maha govt told to fill vacant posts of teachers in Thane

The Bombay High Court today directed Maharashtra government to take steps to fill up the 829 posts of teachers and headmasters lying vacant since 2010 in various schools in tribal areas of neighbouring Thane district.

A division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice M S Sanklecha was hearing a public interest litigation filed by activists Nitin Borde and Ramdas Mote highlighting the issue of non-availability of teachers in primary schools in tribal areas.

The Maharashtra government had in May this year issued orders to 700 teachers transferring them to primary schools in seven tribal areas in Thane. However, the teachers refused to take up the posting and went on strike.

The High Court had last time directed the government to ensure that its transfer order is implemented and the teachers take up their jobs.

The court was today informed that the government order was implemented and teachers have taken up their postings. However, 829 posts are still lying vacant. The 829 vacant posts include those of 182 posts of primary teachers and 198 posts for headmasters.

The court directed the government to issue advertisements for 1000 teachers and headmasters by February 15 and initiate and complete the recruitment process by June 30.

Regarding posts lying vacant in other districts across the state, the court directed the government to fill up the posts by April 30, 2015.

The PIL contends that it is the duty of the state to ensure that every child is given primary education, which is a fundamental right.