Supreme Court Declines Para-Teachers' Regularisation Request
In a ruling that could impact thousands of educators, the Supreme Court of India has drawn a firm line in the sand regarding the regularisation of para-teachers in Jharkhand. Despite years of dedicated service, para-teachers cannot expect to be regularised without meeting the requisite educational standards, the court declared.
The decision comes as a blow to the aspirations of many para-teachers who have been working under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan programme, some for over a decade. These educators, integral to the state's educational outreach, have long sought permanent positions, arguing that their extensive service merits such recognition. However, the court's ruling underscores a fundamental principle: regularisation should not bypass statutory recruitment rules.
The court has instructed the Jharkhand government to reserve 50 per cent of assistant teacher vacancies for para-teachers. This directive is seen as a compromise, recognising the contributions of para-teachers while adhering to statutory norms. The decision reflects the court's attempt to balance the need for quality education with the rights of contractually employed teachers.
While the ruling has disappointed many, it also highlights the need for clear guidelines and standards in the recruitment and regularisation of educators. The court's decision may set a precedent for similar cases across India, where contractual employment in education is widespread.
The para-teachers, employed through the Goa Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, have been appointed since 2006, following a stringent selection process. Despite meeting the initial criteria set by the directorate of education, their demand for automatic regularisation has been rebuffed, leaving many to ponder their future in the profession.
