Uttar Pradesh's teacher shortage in junior high schools hits education system, says Allahabad HC

The problem of unfilled teaching and non-teaching staff positions in Uttar Pradesh schools, especially junior high schools, has negatively affected students' education, according to the Allahabad High Court.

The court declared that this constitutes a breach of students' fundamental right to education.

This decision came during a hearing on a writ petition filed by a junior high school, which had raised concerns about staff appointments to approved positions.

According to the petition, significant positions, including a headmaster, two assistant teachers, a clerk, and two Class IV employees, have remained unfilled since June 2022.

A bench of Justice Prakash Padia remarked, "It is a well-known fact throughout the State of UP that students are suffering due to the non-availability of principals and assistant teachers."

The bench added, "In the present case, it is clear that despite repeated requests from the institution, the necessary orders have not been passed by the authorities to fill the posts of Principal and Assistant Teacher."

Justice Padia continued, "The right to education is a fundamental right, and based on the facts presented, it is clear that the respondents are violating the fundamental rights guaranteed to citizens under the Constitution of India."

The court had previously expressed concerns about the unclear timeline for hiring the necessary staff.

During an earlier hearing on Dec 10, 2024, the court stated that the high number of unfilled positions was lowering the state's educational standards and that no action had been taken to address the issue.

The court was informed that the state government had not received a response to its request for a report from the Director General of Schools, Education in Uttar Pradesh.

As of the hearing, no clear proposal had been presented, despite letters from the state government requesting one.

Taking this seriously, the court ordered the Uttar Pradesh Director General of School Education to submit a personal affidavit within 10 days, explaining why the required report had not been submitted to the state government earlier.

The court emphasized that students were suffering due to the lack of assistant teachers and principals in schools, a problem widely acknowledged across the state.

The court is awaiting the state's response regarding staff appointments and the delay in resolving the issue.

The case has been scheduled for its next hearing on Feb 17, 2025.