Education Minister Kesarkar Resolves Issues With Maharashtra State Junior College Teachers’ Federation

Pune, 25th February 2024: Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar engaged in discussions with officials from the Maharashtra State Junior College Teachers’ Federation, culminating in an agreement to address their concerns. The announcement was made by Dr. Sanjay Shinde, the president of the Federation.

The meeting, attended by key figures including Education Secretary Ranjitsinh Deval, Education Commissioner Suraj Mandhare, and Federation representatives, focused on crucial matters affecting junior college teachers in the state.

A key resolution was reached, indicating that the order applicable to government employees for the old pension scheme would extend to junior college teachers. The government expressed its support for implementing the old pension scheme, particularly for those who entered service after November 1, 2005, with an official decision forthcoming. Importantly, teachers will receive the same benefits as government employees under this scheme.

The meeting also addressed long-standing issues, with rectification of errors in increments for 253 teachers, and their adjustment orders set to be issued promptly in collaboration with the Finance Department.

A notable decision was made concerning the pay scale for recognized IT subject teachers since 2001. The meeting concluded that recognized teachers would be adjusted to vacant posts based on their educational qualifications, resolving a longstanding matter.

The adjustment of teachers is slated to be completed within 60 days. A proposal has been submitted to the Finance Department for the implementation of a revised in-service salary scale for teachers at 10, 20, and 30 years, mirroring the scheme for government employees. Until this is finalized, the 20 percent condition applicable to teachers in the selection category will be temporarily relaxed, aligning with higher education norms.

The next phase of implementation, covering those receiving 20/40/60 percent subsidy, is set to be executed soon. Additionally, the education department has initiated the process to fill 21,678 vacant teaching positions, with assurances that the remaining positions will be filled promptly.

Acknowledging the students’ interests, Education Minister Kesarkar withdrew the boycott on answer sheet verification, a move that aligns with the ongoing 12th-grade examinations that began on February 21. Over 50 lakh answer sheets are yet to be checked, and with the withdrawal of the boycott, the verification process is set to commence.

Prof. Santosh Fajge, General Secretary of the Federation, and Prof. Sunil Purnapatre, Vice President, expressed confidence that the 12th-grade results would be declared on time, and the agreed-upon demands from the education department would be swiftly implemented, preventing any need for further protests by teachers.