Laxmikant Pandey, the basic education officer (BSA) in Bulandshahr, informed TOI that concerned staff members have been given a one-week grace period.
The district education department in Bulandshahr has cracked down on approximately 150 staff members from primary and upper primary schools after a recent check to e-25valuate the condition of schools. According to a report by the Times of India, their salaries are being held back. This inspection, conducted before setting up polling booths, uncovered some worrying scenes in several schools. Many were neglected, with visible signs of maintenance problems like peeling paint and lack of repair work.
As per reports, each government school receives funds from authorities through a composite grant designated for maintenance purposes. These funds, ranging from Rs 12,000 to Rs 50,000, and in some cases up to Rs 1 lakh, are meant to cover expenses related to maintenance like paint, repair work, and other essential needs. However, it was discovered that a significant portion of these funds remained unused.
To address the situation, Laxmikant Pandey, the basic education officer (BSA) in Bulandshahr, informed TOI that concerned staff members have been given a one-week grace period. During this time, their salaries will be withheld. However, additional measures will be implemented if they fail to rectify the issues and utilize the allocated funds within the specified timeframe. This includes deducting salaries for head teachers and school in-charges for one month to enforce accountability and ensure proper fund utilization.
Meanwhile, regarding new recruitments, the Allahabad High Court has ruled against extending the reservation advantage under the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category for hiring 69,000 assistant teachers in 2020. The court cited that the recruitment process began before the statute's enactment.
Judge Saurabh Shyam Shamshery highlighted that the process of appointing 69,000 assistant teachers in Uttar Pradesh commenced on May 16, 2020, before the passage of the EWS Act on August 31, 2020, while dismissing several writ petitions filed by Shivam Pandey and others.
In Bihar, the Education Department took action against school teachers, withholding the salaries of 12,987 individuals in December of the previous year due to prolonged absences from work during a six-month inspection period. The department also suspended 39 individuals for various violations related to teaching and the Bihar School Teachers’ Recruitment regulations.
