Longer hours for school teachers

Will now have to work 45 hours a week instead of 30, according to the Right to Education bill

Will now have to work 45 hours a week instead of 30, according to the Right to Education bill

Inu00a0the central Government's Right to Education Act passed earlier this year, there is a section which says teachers will have to put in more hours. The act, passed on August 26, will reportedly extend to the entire country, except Jammu and Kashmir. According to the Norms and Standards for Schools section of the act, school teachers will be required to work for 45 hours a week instead of the current 30 hours.

Pic for representational purposes only Pic/Nimesh Dave

The principal of a south Mumbai school said, "The act copy that we have received, states that the teachers have to now work 45 hours instead of 30 hours per week. This might upset teachers who usually rush home early without doing any schoolwork. I guess most teachers are not aware of this rule. When the act will be implemented is not clear as yet."

A teacher from Mumbai Central said, under condition of anonymity, "It's good in a way because those teachers who just rush home after classes will now have to devote more time. We can also ask them to stay back in school to correct answer sheets instead of doing so in the local train. We could even conduct seminars and workshops for them in school."

However, city teachers are not happy about the Act. Uday Nare, who teaches in Hansraj Morarji Public School in the western suburbs, said, "With the increase in the number of subjects and exams, this new rule will only increase the burden on teachers. Even if the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission are implemented, it will not be possible for teachers to work so long."

What the Act says
The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009 is for children between six and 14 years of age. It also calls for a fixed student-teacher ratio. Economically disadvantaged communities will get 25 per cent reservation for Standard One admissions in all private schools. If a school does not get adequate infrastructure in three years, it will be de-recognised.