Schoolteachers taking up private tuitions, you’re being tracked

Schoolteachers who give private tuitions or take up private teaching can now be in trouble with a private eye watching them round the clock. Forum for Fairness in Education, an NGO working in the field of education, has decided to hire private detectives to keep a watch on teachers.

As per Section 28 of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, which was implemented in Maharashtra on 1 April, 2010, no teacher shall give private tuition or take up private teaching.

The forum has recently sent a letter to all school managements in Pune, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Vashi regarding their move. "It has been found that many schoolteachers teach in private coaching classes despite the fact that it is not allowed," the letter said.

"It has been observed that many teachers do not follow the norms stated in the Act. Actually these norms have been there for many years. We have decided to launch a campaign to check them and are planning to appoint a professional secret service agency for the purpose," said Jayant Jain, forum president.

According to Jain, the effort has been initiated to find out whether the schools have implemented recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission while giving salaries to the teachers. "Many teachers take up private tuition as they are not paid as per the norms by the schools," he said.

In case we come across such cases, we will refer them to the government for action. Twelve years ago, we had initiated a similar campaign and had caught 512 teachers flouting norms. Legal action was initiated against them," said Jain.

Narendra Sidhaye, who runs a private coaching class welcomed the move. "There are school and college teachers in the city who not only take classes but also ask students in their college or school to attend their private classes. In return they assure students good marks in practical examinations," he said. "Schoolteachers teaching in private coaching classes while in service can neglect teaching in school," said Sidhaye.

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