Maharashtra teachers say SIR and census duties are hurting classroom teaching

Teachers across Maharashtra are upset about the growing number of non-academic duties given to them.

They say this extra work is affecting classroom teaching and student performance.

Teachers have already spent almost six months on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) duties.

Now they will be sent for census work, which will take even more of their time.

Teachers say the SIR work affected classes so badly that many schools ran for only half a day.

The SIR deadline has now been extended to November 25, adding to the pressure.

Key points

• Teachers say they lost over 40 academic hours between July and August this year.
• Periodic assessment tests, normally held in August or September, have not yet been conducted.
• Census training is set for December 21 to January 10.
• The actual census count will run from January 25 to February 28.

Why are students losing learning time?

Vijay Kombe is the state president of the Maharashtra State Primary Teachers Committee.

He says the loss of teaching time is already showing in student performance.

Kombe said the state education department has not yet held the periodic assessment tests (PATs).

These tests are usually held in August or September. He said they were postponed because of the non-academic duties.

What about the census and the rest of the school year?

Teachers will need three to four days of census training each.

Kombe said census work will take more days from the second term. He asked when teachers will get time to finish the syllabus.

Teachers also handle audits, review meetings, deworming tablet distribution, and online training.

Kombe said the school calendar has gone off track. Sports events and science exhibitions have also suffered.

What is the concern for election-related work?

Tanaji Kamble heads the Progressive Teachers Association.

He said that in the Ghatkopar East assembly constituency, 184 of 283 employees appointed for booth level officer (BLO) duty came from the education department.

Of these, 157 were teachers.

Sources

• Hindustan Times: Education takes a back seat as Maharashtra teachers juggle SIR, census duties