Teachers to Take to Streets: Maharashtra Schools to Shut on December 5 in Statewide Principals’ Strike

Pune/Mumbai, 2nd December 2025: Students and parents in Maharashtra are bracing for disruption next week, as the Maharashtra State Principals’ Association has announced a statewide school closure on December 5. The strike comes after a recent Pune meeting where the association unveiled plans for marches at every district collector’s office, aiming to press the government on long-pending grievances of teaching and non-teaching staff.

Focus on Key Demands
The strike highlights several unresolved issues that have affected educators for years. Among the primary demands are:
-Exemption from the TET exam for teachers appointed before 2013, citing the exam’s unfair impact on long-serving educators.
-Cancellation of the March 15, 2024 government order concerning teacher recruitment rules and service conditions.
-Approval of the State Eligibility Test (SET) based on prior guidelines rather than the newly introduced norms.
-Ending the Shikshan Sevak Scheme and providing a regular pay scale for all teachers—a demand repeatedly voiced by education bodies.

All schools in the state are expected to be affected, as the strike will involve full participation from teachers. Parents and guardians have been advised to make alternative arrangements, and authorities have urged both staff and demonstrators to maintain discipline during the marches.

Officials noted that if the government resolves some or all of the pending demands before December 5, the association may call off the strike. The Principals’ Association stressed that the action is intended to be peaceful, focusing on securing fair treatment and recognition for educators who have long campaigned for these reforms.