Maharashtra needs more teachers per class in its schools

The Government Resolution (GR) that mandates a fixed student-teacher ratio per classroom has put schools in a bind. Most of the schools are already worried about their limited infrastructure and this mandate is like adding to their agony. Many schools are stuck with the dilemma whether to appoint more than one teacher for larger classrooms or not.

"The GR only states the pupil-teacher ratio that schools need to follow but there are no directions as to how this is to be done. We have 65 to 75 kids per class and if we end up appointing two teachers in a classroom, it shouldn't end up confusing the students. While we can ask teachers to coordinate their notes and work in tandem, what's the guarantee that they will not pass the responsibility to each other ? GR, as of now, sounds vague and I feel it will get more clarity soon" says Rehana Salamat, Prinicpal of Anjuman-I-Islam Allana English High School, CST.

On the other hand, Maharashtra state education department has not given a clear picture when it comes to defining the quantity of students to be accommodated in each class. Other central and international boards have very strict rules for the strength of every class room.
"We have a class of 45 students and this rule is to be followed, we will have to appoint two teachers. Also, some of our classes have shadow teachers for particular students. So does this mean we will have three to four teachers in some classes?" says Carl Laurie, Principal of Christ Church School (ICSE) Byculla.

Some principals were also concerned about how the government plans to implement policy, especially since several governement-aided schools are struggling to conduct classes as many teacher posts are still vacant.

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