August 6 Strike: Schools Across Maharashtra to Close as Education Sector Unions Demand Resolution

Pune, 5th August 2024: Facing a growing crisis, the Maharashtra education sector is preparing for a significant protest on August 6, 2024, in response to unresolved issues affecting aided and Marathi medium schools across the state. Despite persistent efforts by educational organizations to address these concerns, the government has yet to act, prompting 28 education-related unions to join forces for a one-day strike.

The Maharashtra State Secondary and Higher Secondary School Principals’ Board, along with management and teacher unions, announced that schools and colleges statewide will be closed on August 6. A statement detailing their grievances will be presented at district collector offices throughout the state.

Tanaji Mane, President of the Maharashtra State Secondary and Higher Secondary School Principals’ Board, Secretary Nandkumar Sagar, and Working President Dnyaneshwar Mhatre communicated these plans through an official letter.

Key Demands of the School Closure Movement:

1. Correction of Government Decision: Amend the government decision dated March 15, 2024, to approve the post of headmaster in schools.
2. Old Pension Scheme: Implement the old pension scheme for unaided and partially subsidized teachers and non-teaching staff appointed before November 1, 2005.
3. Full Subsidy for Schools: Announce a 100% subsidy based on the age of schools, following the phased subsidy method for primary, secondary, and higher secondary institutions.
4. Teacher Appointments: Expedite the appointment of teachers or permit institutions to make appointments themselves.
5. Approval of Non-Teaching Staff: Secure approval for non-teaching staff positions.
6. Salary for Fourth Grade Employees: Reinstate the previous salary structure for fourth-grade employees without imposing new appointment criteria.
7. Vacant Teacher Posts: Allow recruitment for 100% of vacant teacher positions in minority and non-minority primary, secondary, and higher secondary schools.
8. Art and Sports Teacher Posts: Approve the filling of Art and Sports teacher positions in schools.
9. Cashless Mediclaim Scheme: Implement a cashless mediclaim scheme for both teaching and non-teaching staff.
10. Old Pension Scheme for New Staff: Extend the old pension scheme to all teachers and non-teaching staff appointed after 2005.11. Full Subsidy for Qualified Schools: Ensure 100% subsidy for primary, secondary, and higher secondary schools that meet assessment criteria, based on their approval year.
12. Grants for Senior Colleges: Announce grants for senior colleges that qualify for them.
13. Salary Grants and Subsidies: Align ex-salary grants for secondary and higher secondary schools with the Seventh Pay Commission, and provide non-salary subsidies to schools that began receiving subsidies after 2008 according to their stage.
14. Promotions and Appointments: Expedite promotions and appointments for vacant administrative posts such as Center Head, Extension Officer, and Group Education Officer/Deputy Education Officer.
15. Service Guarantee Act Compliance: Ensure timely processing of pending proposals in field offices as per the Service Guarantee Act.

The strike and protest are seen as a critical response to the government’s inaction on these crucial issues, impacting the functioning and sustainability of many educational institutions across Maharashtra.