Maharashtra mandates one-month deadline to investigate complaints against Zilla Parishad teachers

The Maharashtra government has introduced a new directive that has raised concerns among primary school teachers, as it seeks to address long-standing delays in disciplinary action within the education sector.

Teachers in Zilla Parishad schools across the state have often faced allegations of misconduct or negligence, but many such complaints have remained unresolved for years due to prolonged investigation processes.

Under the revised policy, the state has made it mandatory that any complaint filed against a primary school teacher must be investigated within 30 days.

“Following the inquiry, if necessary, a proposal for the teacher’s transfer must be submitted to the Divisional Commissioner. This change is aimed at ensuring timely redressal of grievances and improving the efficiency and integrity of the educational framework,” said a senior education official.

The new order places the responsibility of handling these complaints squarely on the chief executive officers (CEOs) of Zilla Parishads.

“If a complaint is received regarding misconduct by a teacher, it is the responsibility of the CEO to conduct a thorough inquiry within the stipulated time frame. Based on the findings and the seriousness of the complaint, the CEO will assess whether it is appropriate for the concerned teacher to continue in their current position,” said Dada Bhuse, school education minister.

“If the CEO concludes that the teacher should not remain in their post, they must document their reasoning in writing and forward a transfer proposal to the Divisional Commissioner. This ensures transparency and a formal chain of accountability in the decision-making process,” he added.

While the move is being seen as a push for greater accountability and improved governance in the education system, it has also sparked apprehension among teachers, who fear that the new time-bound structure could be misused.

Sujata Patil, a primary school teacher and member of the state primary school teachers union, expressed concerns about the implications.

“We understand the importance of accountability, and no teacher should be allowed to misuse their position. But the concern is about false or politically motivated complaints. If someone wants to harass a teacher, even a baseless complaint could now lead to a transfer within just 30 days. This puts immense mental pressure on sincere teachers like us, who are already working under challenging conditions. We just hope the inquiries are fair, unbiased, and consider both sides before taking any harsh decisions,” she said.

The directive marks a notable shift in the government’s approach, aiming to balance swift action with due process in the interest of maintaining a safe and professional school environment.