Has Rajasthan HC summoned Chief Secy and Education Secy over mid-session teacher transfers?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rajasthan High Court raises concerns over mid-session teacher transfers.
- Over 12,000 teachers transferred since August 3.
- Board examinations scheduled for February 12 are approaching.
- Traditional transfer policy is from July 1 each year.
- Government criticized for lack of transparency in transfer policy.
Jaipur, Jan 21 (NationPress) The Rajasthan High Court expressed significant alarm regarding the extensive transfer of teachers during the academic session, particularly with board examinations set to commence in under 20 days.
Justice Sameer Jain’s bench interrogated the state government about the rationale behind such transfers and ordered the Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary of Education to appear before the court on January 23 to clarify their actions.
This ruling was made in response to a petition lodged by Maina Garhwal and Mahesh Kumar.
Their attorney, advocate Sandeep Kalwaniya, informed the bench that traditionally, transfers in government schools occur starting from July 1 each year. However, since August 3, the government has executed transfers of over 12,000 senior teachers, school lecturers, and principals.
The petitioners highlighted that while transfers are officially prohibited in the state, the government has been granting special permissions for mass transfers without a clearly defined or transparent policy.
The court was informed that this practice has led to considerable disruption in schools, adversely affecting both teachers and students.
As board examinations are approaching on February 12, the petitioners contended that relocating teachers and principals during this pivotal period is detrimental to academic continuity and student preparation for examinations.
The High Court also referenced its prior reportable order, which raised critical concerns regarding the absence of a comprehensive transfer policy in Rajasthan, the practice of mid-session transfers, and the operations of the Rajasthan Civil Services Appellate Tribunal (RCAT).
In its remarks, the court acknowledged that while many states lack a structured transfer policy for government employees, including educators, it stressed that the state must uphold good governance in accordance with constitutional standards.
The court's summons indicates a closer judicial examination of the government's transfer decisions and their ramifications on the education system.