Mumbai Girish Mahajan On Teachers Protest At Azad Maidan

In a significant development for thousands of protesting teachers across Maharashtra, the long-standing issue of increased salaries for state-aided school teachers has finally been resolved. State Minister Girish Mahajan announced that, as per the government’s decision dated October 14, 2024, the implementation of the fourth phase of salary grants will begin immediately, and the salaries for the month of July will be deposited in teachers’ bank accounts by August.

The announcement was made during ongoing discussions with protesting teachers at Azad Maidan. Mahajan clarified that the decision was made with the approval of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Despite prevailing financial constraints, the government has decided to prioritize teachers’ interests.

Following the implementation of the fourth phase, teachers will receive regular monthly salaries without delays until retirement, Mahajan assured.

The demand for 100% subsidy to partially aided schools had been a long-pending issue, consistently raised by teacher MLAs and the Teacher Coordination Association. The current government has now addressed the issue, which remained unresolved during the previous administration.

Teachers had been staging peaceful protests under harsh weather conditions for several days. The government has now promised to complete the necessary technical procedures and ensure that salaries are deposited within 2 to 3 days after the Assembly session concludes on July 18.

The government credited Girish Mahajan’s mediation and the firm stance taken by the Fadnavis-led administration as key factors behind this breakthrough. Teachers have now been appealed to end their protests and return to their respective districts to resume educational duties.

Additionally, Mahajan urged all educators and supporters to spread the government's decision across the state via social media platforms to ensure maximum awareness. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment, stating, "The promise made to teachers will be honored."