HC asks DoE to probe 'exploitation' of teachers in pvt schools

New Delhi, May 14 (UNI) The Delhi High Court has ordered the Directorate of Education to inquire into alleged exploitation of teachers in private schools.

Hearing a writ petition by civic body Common Cause (CC), the Court asked the DoE to inquire into any violations of the Delhi School Education Act and dispose of any specific complaints within six weeks.

The petitioner, while asking for implementation of Delhi School Education Act in letter and spirit, contended that the teachers in private schools were appointed on contract and were paid less salaries than they sign for in the contract. ''They do not enjoy any security of employment and work in conditions far worse than their contemporaries in the government-run schools,'' it said.

On the top it, they are also saddled with additional responsibilities, it stressed.

Accusing the management of several recognised private schools of violating the Delhi School Education Act with impunity, the Common Cause the government should take over the management of the school, and in the worst case de-recognise the institution.

The Delhi School Education Act, according to the petition filed by the civic body, does not envisage appointment of contract-based teachers in the ordinary course.

However, the Act allows the managing committees to appoint part-time teachers for primary classes at half of the pay and allowances admissible to regular full time teachers, the petitioner added. Besides, the teachers so appointed are entitled to medical facilties and all benefits other than pension and provident fund.

UNI