Justice N. Kirubakaran of the Madras High Court has asked the State government to answer why teachers of government/ government-aided schools should not be prohibited from starting associations or unions, like police personnel.
“Erring teachers are said to be using the associations to prevent any action against them; when education is a fundamental right and the future of the students are shaped by the teachers, why such prohibition should not be imposed?” the judge asked.
Mr. Justice Kirubakaran posed the question while hearing a plea moved by the management of Pasupathy Aided Middle School, Pandanallur, Thanjavur district, challenging the order passed by the State rejecting the school’s request for starting English medium sections.
The petitioner alleged that when similarly placed government schools are permitted to start English medium sections, government-aided private schools are being singled out for discrimination.
Children of govt. staff
“Though the government has understood the necessity of English knowledge, it seems appropriate hands are not employed by the government in English medium sections. Without appointing and having proper, well-trained teachers with English knowledge, imparting English to the students would not be achieved,” Mr. Justice Kirubakaran said.
Also pointing to the fact that government teachers are admitting their children in private schools, given their better standard of education, the judge wanted the State to answer why it should not be made mandatory for government teachers to admit their children only in government schools.
Questions galore
This apart, Mr. Justice Kirubakaran also wanted the State to answer various other questions including: whether any action has been taken against erring teachers for not reporting to schools on time? Why the biometric system has not been introduced in government schools, especially in schools located in rural and hilly areas? Whether it is viable to install CCTV cameras in schools to verify the attendance of teachers and monitor their teaching throughout the day? What is the pass percentage in government schools as well as in private schools in Class X for the past 10 years? What is the pass percentage of the students studying in government schools in rural areas for the past 10 years?
The judge then posted the plea to July 14.
