Maharashtra Teachers Defy Pay Cut Threat, 60% Schools Shut in Protest Against BLO Duties

Thousands of teachers across Maharashtra participated in a state-wide shutdown on Thursday, defying government warnings of salary deductions. Over 60% of government and aided schools remained closed as educators gathered at Mumbai's Azad Maidan and held district-level demonstrations.

The protest, organised by multiple teachers' associations, primarily opposes the assignment of Booth Level Officer (BLO) duties for the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Teachers argue that these non-academic responsibilities keep them away from classrooms, harming education quality. They also demand the withdrawal of all First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against those who did not report for BLO duties.

Subhash More from Shikshak Bharati, one of the leading associations, noted that the large turnout reflects deep frustration. 'Teachers are fully aware of potential disciplinary action, yet they have participated in overwhelming numbers. This shows the level of frustration while the government ignores our issues,' he said.

The agitation also highlights long-standing grievances, including changes to the Teachers Eligibility Test (TET) framework, promotion policy, and staffing norms. Teachers appointed before 2013 seek exemption from mandatory TET, arguing that they were recruited under earlier rules that should not be retrospectively altered. They also demand restoration of seniority-based promotion policies.

The teachers had spent their summer break on census work and returned to BLO duty orders. In response, the Directorate of Secondary Education issued a circular warning against the shutdown. Anil Bornare of Shikshak Mahasangh said, 'Now that teachers have called for a one-day shutdown, academic loss is suddenly a concern. But when we point out that excessive non-academic duties keep teachers away, those concerns are ignored.'

The Maharashtra government had earlier warned that participating teachers would forfeit a day's salary. Despite this, educators continued their protest, which remains ongoing with further actions likely.