UDAY SAWANT
VALPOI
Protests by students of the Government Higher Secondary School (HSS) at Valpoi for three days against the sudden transfer of contract teachers have sparked discussion among students, teachers and parents across Sattari taluka.
Students who participated in the protest expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s decision.
“Students’ thoughts and concerns are no longer confined within the four walls of their schools and colleges. Before taking any major decision, the government should consider the difficulties faced by students and the possible impact on them,” said one student. “Before making such appointments, the authorities should have intimated the students, assessed the availability of teachers and considered academic continuity. Instead, the sudden decision left students with no option but to protest.”
Another student said the delay in taking decisions on teacher appointments had made the timing of the changes particularly difficult. “Now, when examinations are just around the corner, the academic connection students had developed with their teachers has been disrupted. Students have been left confused by the change,” said the student.
“If the teachers had to be changed, the decision could have been taken at the beginning of the academic year. Changing teachers at such a crucial stage can affect studies.”
Teachers’ perspective
A contract teacher, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there was a perception that teachers had instigated the protest, but insisted they had played no role in provoking the agitation.
“Students took the decision to protest on their own after considering the academic difficulties they were facing and concerns about their future. Teachers had not encouraged them to protest. The government’s decision had adversely affected both students and contract teachers,” said the teacher.
The teacher pointed out that those who had taught students for more than a decade were suddenly removed from their positions, causing financial difficulties for their families as well.
“Contract teachers had not merely taught academic subjects; they were familiar with the individual academic abilities of students, their difficulties and areas in which they needed improvement. Consequently, the sudden change of teachers affected students both mentally and academically.”
Parent concerns
Members of the Parents-Teachers’ Association also expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s decision.
“Before taking any decision that could cause academic difficulties for students, the government should have considered the matter carefully,” said a parent.
“Teachers had been providing continuous instruction in a particular teaching style. The sudden discontinuation of these teachers and appointment of new ones has created several difficulties for the students. This could directly affect the students’ education.”
