No blanket exemption for women teachers above 50 from SIR and census; teachers disgruntled

The Revenue Department has refused a blanket exemption for women teachers aged above 50 from the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and National Census-2027 in the State. 

Following a representation from teachers’ associations, the Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) had submitted a proposal exempting women teachers above 50 from SIR and census duties. 

Responding to this proposal, Munish Moudgil, Principal Secretary, Revenue Department, said while Deputy Commissioners and Municipal Commissioners in the districts were free to take a decision on this, depending on the available resources, he said such requests cannot be considered if it were to affect the conduct of SIR and the census. He also asked them to submit the decision taken in this regard to the government for information.

A copy of the letter is available with The Hindu. 

In his letter, Mr. Moudgil further said that Deputy Commissioners and Municipal Commissioners had already begun preparations for the conduct of the National Census, and the Election Commission of India is expected to begin the SIR exercise in the State. In such a scenario, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) may have to be exempted from the census exercise, indicating a crunch in human resources. 

Teachers disgruntled

However, this response from the Revenue Department has left women teachers above 50 years disgruntled. 

Speaking to The Hindu, a senior woman teacher of a government school in Bengaluru said that many teachers died during the SIR exercise in other States and it is a big concern. “They have decided to carry out both the census and SIR during the scorching summer. It will definitely take a toll. Many teachers above 50 years are already suffering from serious health issues. By the time the SIR and census are completed, schools will reopen, which means there will be no rest,” she said, adding that teachers will meet DSEL Minister Madhu Bangarappa and seek a blanket exemption again. 

Chandrashekara Nuggali, president, Government Primary School Teachers’ Association, said that teachers were always tasked with all kinds of non-teaching tasks like election work, census, and so on. There are enough ‘C’ group employees in various government departments who can be roped in for the same, he suggested. He said the association will meet Mr. Moudgil to push him to reconsider the directions to district authorities.