Appointment of teachers in primary schools on ad hoc basis by various State Governments without following proper qualification criteria today drew flak from the Supreme Court, which said such policies are spoiling the entire education system and future of the country.
A bench of Justices B. S. Chauhan and Dipak Misra expressed strong disapproval of such a system and said it was “shocking” that it can be pursued even after the implementation of the Right to Education Act.
“A populist principality cannot spoil the future of the country. We want to know the qualification of teachers,” the bench said while hearing the Gujarat Government’s plea on a case pertaining to the appointment of ‘Vidya Sahayak’ in primary schools in the State.
“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 observed, asking the State Government to place details relating to the qualification and appointment of such teachers.
The bench noted that the ad-hoc appointment of primary teachers was done in many States which provide them less than a fourth of the salary given to regular teachers.
“Once we have implemented Article 21A, can we allow such system? Our concern is the quality of education and we are serious about the kind of education we are imparting,” it said adding, “We spoil the entire education system by appointing ad-hoc teachers who do not have proper qualification.”