Only trained teachers should teach in schools: SC

Only trained persons should be allowed to impart education in schools, the Supreme Court today said while questioning recruitment of ad-hoc primary teachers by states without following qualification criteria.
A bench of justices B S Chauhan and Dipak Misra expressed strong disapproval of such a system saying "a populist approach cannot be allowed to destroy the basic fabrics of education system".
The court, which was hearing Gujarat government's plea on a case pertaining to appointment of "Vidya Sahayak" in primary schools in the state, asked the state to furnish all information about the rules under which the government was recruiting such ad-hoc teachers.

It also sought a comparative chart of details of appointment of regular teachers and temporary ones including their qualification and pay scale.
"Education should be imparted by trained teachers," the bench said.
"You must produce mode of selection, qualification, tenure and other details about Vidya Sahayak," the bench said adding.

"You produce a comparative chart primary school teachers and Vidya Sahayak on various aspects including their qualification and pay scale."
On the last hearing on May 20, the apex court had questioned ad-hoc appointment in primary schools saying such policies are spoiling the entire education system and future of the country.

"How do you bring such policies when there is Article 21A. It is shocking. There are such appointments in UP also. These Shiksha Sahayaks (helpers) are Shiksha 'shatrus' (enemies)," the bench had observed.