Expressing concern over the plight of children in primary schools in tribal areas of neighbouring Thane district, the Bombay High Court today directed 700 teachers to take up their transfer postings immediately.
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 today directed the government to ensure that its transfer order is implemented and the teachers take up their jobs. The government has been directed to file a compliance report in February 2014.
According to the PIL, the government had, instead of implementing its transfer orders of May, issued fresh order sending 100 other teachers to the tribal areas. Those teachers also refused to take up the posting and approached the High Court seeking a stay of the order.
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.
