The Bombay High Court today sought to know what action has been initiated against the 89 teachers who have failed to take up their posting in primary schools in tribal areas of neighbouring Thane district.
A division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice M S Sanklecha directed the Thane Zilla Parishad to submit a report by March 25 on what action has been taken against those teachers who have failed to take up their new posts.
The High Court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by social activist Nitin Borade highlighting the issue of non-availability of teachers in primary schools in tribal areas.
The Maharashtra government had in May last year issued orders to 244 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 out of 244 teachers, only 155 have taken up their posts in primary schools.
The court had, during the last hearing in January this year, also directed the state government to issue advertisements for 1,000 teachers and headmasters by February 15 and initiate and complete recruitment process by June 30.
The court today asked the government to submit a report on March 25 asking if the advertisements have been issued and the process has begun.
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.
