Pune: In a strong display of dissent, primary teachers' unions across Maharashtra have initiated a non-cooperation movement against the School Education Department's recent decisions.

As part of this protest, teachers have started leaving WhatsApp groups managed by education department officials and are preparing for larger demonstrations.

The protest stems from several decisions that teachers feel are detrimental to their working conditions and the quality of education. These include recruitment through a contractual system,

Aadhaar-based teacher verification, and the state's school staffing norms. At a meeting held in Pune, leaders of various primary teachers’ organizations agreed to organize a state-wide non-cooperation campaign.

The protest plan involves several steps:

• on September 17, teachers started wearing black armbands to signify their opposition.

• On September 18, many began leaving WhatsApp groups where educational officials regularly request information.

• The most significant part of the movement is scheduled for September 25, when teachers across the state will take mass leave and organize protest marches in every district.

Vijay Kombe, the president of the Maharashtra State Primary Teachers’ Committee, criticized the overuse of WhatsApp for administrative purposes.

"Officials are constantly asking for various types of information from teachers, often disrupting our teaching work. This is why teachers are leaving these groups as part of the protest," Kombe explained.

The teachers argue that frequent requests for unnecessary information have become a distraction from their primary task of educating students.

Teachers also expressed frustration over the government's decision to appoint retired teachers rather than giving opportunities to younger candidates, despite advancements in technology.

Additionally, the state's uniform approach to education policy has been criticized for not considering the geographical challenges faced by rural schools.

Vikram Adsul, state coordinator for Krutisheel Shikshak Maharashtra, emphasized the inequities in the system. "The education department's decisions are unjust, especially for students in rural areas where conditions are vastly different. Teachers have had enough, and leaving the WhatsApp groups is just the first step in this broader protest."

The September 25 protest is expected to bring significant attention to these issues as teachers across Maharashtra prepare for district-wide demonstrations, demanding that the state revisit its policies.