Teachers, who are constantly looking into the concerns and needs of children, will now also have a forum to express themselves.
Each school is expected to form committees to address teachers’ concerns, according to the latest amendment of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Rules, 2010. Last month, the HRD Ministry stated that committees are formed at different levels to help address the problems.
The amendment comes following the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court on prevention of sexual harassment at workplace. It clearly specifies that the committee will not take up matters pertaining to suspension orders from service and penalties under disciplinary proceedings, which are initiated by the Education Department or the school management.
The move has been welcomed by the teachers who feel that the committees will help them voice their concerns and empower them. “Most often, teachers, particularly of private schools, are at the mercy of the management. We are subjected to harassment by the staff, and made to do several non-teaching work. If we refuse to do so, we have to face jaunts. If these committees function, it will help address issues that are brushed under the carpet,” a teacher from a top Bengaluru school said.
If any teacher faces a problem or grievance, she/he could approach the school management committee (SMC), which is supposed to examine it in fifteen days. If the teacher is not satisfied with the SMC’s response, she/he can approach the block level grievance redressal committee, district-level grievance redressal committee, and later the State-level grievance redressal committee, which will be headed by the Director (Primary Education).
This committee will also have two members nominated by the Secretary of the Education Department, and is expected to meet at least once in six months.
Teachers are often at the mercy of the management.
The committees will help address many issues that are brushed under the carpet
A teacher from a top school
