69 Teachers Lacking Qualifications Dismissed in Uttarakhand; Education Department Takes Action Following HC Verdict
A major decision regarding teacher recruitment has emerged in Uttarakhand. The services of 69 teachers who failed to meet the prescribed eligibility criteria have been terminated. According to Additional Director of Education K.S. Rawat, this action was taken in compliance with the final order issued by the High Court. This decision has impacted teachers posted across several districts of the state.
69 Teachers in Uttarakhand Dismissed for Failing to Meet Eligibility Criteria
According to reports, this entire matter pertains to the teacher recruitment drive conducted during the years 2018–19. At that time, a B.Ed. degree and a minimum aggregate score of 50 percent in graduation were mandated as prerequisites for appointment to the post of Assistant Teacher in primary schools. During the recruitment process, the department had initially rejected the applications of candidates who did not fulfill these eligibility requirements.
However, some candidates challenged this decision in court. Subsequently, granting interim relief, the Court directed the Education Department to accept the applications of these candidates, subject to the condition that their appointments would remain contingent upon the final judicial verdict. It was on this basis that these candidates entered into service.
Education Department’s Action Following the High Court Verdict
Now, following the High Court’s pronouncement of the final verdict in this matter, the department has taken strict action by terminating the services of all ineligible teachers. According to the department, no appointment made in violation of established rules can be allowed to continue; therefore, this action was deemed mandatory.
Highest Number of Teachers from Rudraprayag
Among the dismissed teachers, 10 hail from the Rudraprayag district, while the others belong to the districts of Udham Singh Nagar, Pauri, Pithoragarh, and Tehri. According to Ajay Chaudhary, the District Education Officer (Basic) for Rudraprayag, a total of 15 candidates from the district had applied at that time; of these, five subsequently did not assume charge of their posts, while the remaining candidates had entered into service.
Dismissed Teachers Removed from Census Duty
Furthermore, the teachers whose services have been terminated have also been relieved of their duties regarding the census. The Education Department has clarified that, with the termination of their services, all government responsibilities associated with them automatically cease to exist. Following this action, activity within the Education Department has intensified.
