HC asks HP to frame recruitment norms for elementary teachers

Shimla, Dec 5 (UNI) Taking a strict view of the Himachal Pradesh Government's failure to lay down norms and training course for elementary teachers in the state, the High Court has directed the government to frame norms for recruitment of elementary teachers by February 28, 2008.

The court has also directed the government to prepare a six month training course in uniformity with the clause 12 of the notification, which specifies the norms for the appointments of elementary teachers in the state.

The court cannot tolerate such a situation where in untrained teachers were made to teach the students who would guide the nation in future, the court observed.

''The right to primary education enshrined in article 21-A of the constitution is a fundamental right and this must be a meaningful right if the objects of the constitution are to be achieved,'' it stressed.

The court said just by issuing notifications and making illusory promises, the state cannot abdicate its duties and functions.

It said that the affidavit of Principal Secretary (Education) reflects that department had shown no interest whatsoever in complying with the notification of October 31, 2005 and therefore it directs the respondents to ensure that the SCERT lays down the norms, besides directing the PS (Education) to file an affidavit on or before March 1, 2008, to show that order had been complied with.

The orders were passed on a petition that alleged even after the notification of implementation of elementary system on October 31, 2005, elementary teachers had not been appointed anywhere in the state.

UNI