Absentee Educators Challenge: Upholding Education Rights in UP

The Allahabad High Court emphasized the importance of teachers in the education system, stating that their absence undermines the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education. The court upheld the suspension of teachers who were absent from their school and directed the state to ensure teacher presence in schools within three months.

The Allahabad High Court has highlighted the critical role of teachers in delivering education by stating that their absence compromises the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. In a recent decision, the court declined to reverse the suspension of primary school teachers caught absent during a routine inspection.

Justice Prakash Padia also mandated that the state government devise a policy ensuring teacher presence in schools within three months. The judgement derives from a case involving Indra Devi and Leena Singh Chauhan, who contested their suspension by the District Basic Education Officer for being absent during school hours.

The court further noted the chronic issue of faculty absenteeism in numerous primary institutions across Uttar Pradesh. Justice Padia stated that the state bears a responsibility to guarantee uninterrupted education for primary students and should take steps to effectively manage and eliminate these prevalent issues.

(With inputs from agencies.)