Maharashtra: Why should we pay for training workshop, teachers question SCERT

Teachers question SCERT over new mandate as previously the sessions were free, are worried as participation is linked to promotions

The state education department’s workshop for teachers is embroiled in controversy after teachers have questioned why they are being charged for it. The workshop, which determines promotions of teachers, will be held after almost three years and they are being asked to pay Rs 2,000 for it.

While there are teachers’ training programmes by the State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT); a special training workshop is held for teachers of stds I to XII completing 12 or 24 years of service. Generally this workshop is free. However, this year, teachers were asked to pay fees for it. Since promotions are linked to it, teachers find themselves in a spot with no option.

‘A formality’

“This workshop is kind of a formality as teachers move ahead on seniority level. Training is held in different aspects of education as an upgrade event for such teachers and after completion, promotions are finalized,” said a teacher. Adding to it, another teacher said, “The SCERT already has budgetary allocations for teachers’ training as it is one of the tasks for this body of education. It is confusing why they are charging teachers.”

Mukund Aandhalkar, coordinator, Maharashtra State Federation of Junior College Teachers’ Organisations, said, “In all these years, this is the first time that this training is being charged at Rs 2,000 per teacher. This is unacceptable. Already this workshop has been delayed and over 10,000 candidates are waiting to attend it to rise on the seniority scale. The government should cancel the charges.” Deputy Director of SCERT Vikas Garad was unavailable for comment.

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