A plea has been filed before the Supreme Court challenging a Government Resolution issued by the State of Maharashtra concerning the sanction and allocation of posts for school teachers. The petition has been filed by an association representing private unaided schools and questions the legality of the policy adopted by the State for determining the pupil-teacher ratio. The petitioners contend that the resolution alters the statutory framework prescribed under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act by introducing a method of calculating teacher requirements that is inconsistent with the Act and its Schedule.
According to the plea, the impugned Government Resolution changes the manner in which the pupil-teacher ratio is calculated by treating an entire section of schooling, such as primary or upper primary, as a single unit instead of calculating the ratio class-wise. The petition asserts that the Right to Education Act mandates class-wise calculation of pupil-teacher ratio, and any deviation from this requirement would amount to an impermissible modification of the statutory scheme. It is argued that the State government does not have the authority to amend or reinterpret the Schedule to the Act, as such power vests exclusively with the Central government.
The petitioners have further contended that implementation of the resolution would result in a reduction of sanctioned teacher posts in schools, particularly affecting smaller and neighbourhood schools. They have stated that schools with lower enrolment in individual classes may be denied the required number of teachers under the new methodology, which could adversely impact the quality of education and the ability of schools to function effectively. The plea also highlights concerns that such a policy could lead to the closure of several schools, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, thereby undermining access to elementary education.
The association challenging the resolution has also questioned the decision of the Bombay High Court, which had earlier dismissed a petition against the same Government Resolution. Aggrieved by that decision, the association approached the Supreme Court seeking relief. The plea seeks setting aside of the High Court’s order and a declaration that the Government Resolution is illegal and contrary to the provisions of the Right to Education Act.
Upon hearing the matter, the Supreme Court issued notice to the State of Maharashtra and sought its response to the challenge. The Court agreed to examine the issues raised concerning the interpretation of pupil-teacher ratio norms and the extent of the State’s powers under the statutory framework governing school education. The matter has been listed for further consideration, with the State government directed to place its justification for the impugned resolution before the Court.
The case raises questions about the balance between administrative policy decisions of State governments and statutory mandates governing school education, particularly with respect to teacher allocation and compliance with national education laws. The Supreme Court’s consideration of the plea will determine whether the revised criteria for sanctioning teacher posts can be sustained under the existing legal framework.
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