The Allahabad High Court has strongly criticized the Director General of School Education, Uttar Pradesh, over the prolonged delay in appointing principals and Assistant Teachers in non-government aided junior high schools across the state.

Expressing grave concern, the court emphasized that bureaucratic inefficiencies should not undermine the fundamental right to education.

The issue came before the court through a petition filed by Krishi Audyogik Vidyalaya Aau, Atarra, a recognized junior high school in Banda district, seeking appointments for vacant teaching positions. The court noted that despite previous directives urging the government to expedite the recruitment process, administrative bottlenecks had stalled any significant progress.

A personal affidavit submitted by the Principal Secretary (Basic Education), Uttar Pradesh, outlined the bureaucratic timeline leading to the impasse. According to the affidavit, the recruitment of 390 Principals and 1,507 Assistant Teachers was initiated in 2019 following government orders. While examinations were conducted and results declared, subsequent legal challenges and court orders in 2022 and 2023 led to a temporary halt in the process.

Despite all pending petitions being dismissed on February 15, 2024, thereby removing legal obstacles, the recruitment process remained stalled due to the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Further delays ensued due to inter-departmental consultations, as officials awaited financial and legal clearance. The Director General of School Education was repeatedly asked to submit a concrete proposal for appointments, but no such submission had been made to date.

Justice Prakash Padia, presiding over the case, expressed frustration over the inaction, noting that the acute shortage of teachers was directly impacting students across the state.

"The right to education is a fundamental right, and from the facts presented, it is evident that the respondents are violating the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India," the bench observed.

In response, the court directed the Director General of School Education to file a personal affidavit within ten days, explaining the delay in submitting the necessary report. Furthermore, the Registrar (Compliance) was instructed to ensure that a copy of the court’s order reaches the Director General through the Special Secretary, Uttar Pradesh government, within 24 hours.

Case Title: C/M Krishi Audyogik Vidyalaya Aau And Another Vs. State Of U.P. And 3 Others